Meet the Finalists for the NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship

## NRF Foundation’s Next Generation Scholarship Finalists Announced

The NRF Foundation has revealed the five students selected as finalists for its prestigious Next Generation Scholarship. This initiative honors exceptional undergraduates who are aiming for careers in retail. Since its inception in 2014, the program has distributed over $800,000 to aid the next wave of retail leaders.

### Meet the Finalists

This year, the finalists include:

– **Shayma Banks** (Columbia College Chicago)
– **Madison-Jade Bishop** (Drexel University)
– **Jacquelyn Dufner** (University of Minnesota)
– **Emme Serafino** (Drexel University)
– **Sarah Starko** (Babson College)

The selection process featured a case study in collaboration with Crate & Barrel, comprehensive interviews with professionals in retail, and a detailed evaluation of each candidate’s vision for the sector.

### Scholarship Details

The top recipient will be awarded a $25,000 tuition scholarship, with the remaining finalists each receiving $10,000. The announcement for the winner will take place at the NRF Foundation Honors event scheduled for January 11, 2026, in New York City.

### About the NRF Foundation

As the charitable branch of the National Retail Federation, the NRF Foundation allocates over a million dollars in scholarships annually. It partners with more than 3,700 educational and workforce organizations. The foundation’s initiatives aim to prepare students with the skills and leadership qualities necessary to flourish in a rapidly changing retail landscape influenced by digital advancements and evolving consumer habits.

The Next Generation Scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also pairs students with industry mentors and presents real-world challenges. This reflects the foundation’s mission to cultivate emerging talent poised to shape the future of retail.

What do you think about the impact of initiatives like the NRF Foundation’s scholarship on the retail industry?