Nine new colleges and universities have joined the NRF Foundation as partners, joining dozens of other schools in a program that promotes careers in retail, and provides educators and students with exclusive access to educational events, networking opportunities and scholarships.
The College and University Partner Program is part of the NRF Foundation's mission to demonstrate career opportunities the retail industry offers in a variety of fields to students who have not yet chosen a career path, and to ensure that students already pursuing retail careers have tools and information to be successful upon graduation.
"We are thrilled to welcome these new partners, who share our commitment to shaping retail's future," said NRF Senior Vice President and NRF Foundation Executive Director Ellen Davis. "Working with top universities to provide education, experiences and scholarships to students will help ensure that the retail talent pipeline continues to grow as our industry expands."
As College and University Partners, faculty and students gain access to resources that NRF and the Foundation offer, including networking opportunities with retail professionals and recruiters through Student Programs, held in conjunction with Retail's BIG Show and the Shop.org Summit, complimentary membership in the NRF Student Association for any currently-enrolled student, and access to industry research.
Additionally, each school is eligible to participate in the NRF Foundation Student Challenge, and nominate students for the newly-created Next Generation Scholarship, which is the pinnacle achievement for students who demonstrate the skills and passion to become a future retail leader. Partners will receive one complimentary educator pass and discounted student registration for the upcoming Retail's BIG Show, including the Student Program.
