2026-2027 NRF Foundation Rising Stars Scholarship

The Rising Stars Scholarship was created to teach younger students about the variety of career opportunities available in the retail industry, and to encourage them to attend the 2027 NRF NXT conference (formerly called NRF Foundation Student Program), early in their academic careers.

Each NRF Foundation University Member can nominate one student for the 2027 NRF NXT conference (formerly NRF Foundation Student Program), January 7-10, 2027, in New York City.

Nominee must be an undergraduate freshman or sophomore who has not previously attended NRF Foundation Student Program.

An authorized University Member advisor can nominate one student via a short application form. The representative will need to provide relevant information about the student.

NRF University Members who nominate an eligible student will receive a travel stipend up worth $1,000, made payable to the school, for that student to attend the 2027 NRF NXT.

The deadline to nominate a student for the 2027 NRF NXT is October 30, 2026.