Dream BIG scholarship created to help people establish retail industry careers

The Dream BIG scholarship will award 10 retail employees with full tuition at any University of Phoenix campus or  online program, providing them the opportunity to pair education with their work experience and ambitions to pursue a wide-array of career opportunities within the retail industry.

The National Retail Federation Foundation and the University of Phoenix are joining forces to offer the scholarship, and the flexibility of the degree program will allow recipients to continue to work and live at home while advancing their education.  

“Whether they’re working in marketing, IT, or finance, millions of people in our industry are living proof that retail career opportunities don’t end at the cash register,” said NRF Foundation Executive Director Ellen Davis. “With over 20 million Americans eligible to apply for this scholarship, we can’t wait to hear the dreams and stories of those who hope to advance their retail career through education, and look forward to making those dreams a reality for ten dedicated people in our industry.”

Eligibility is limited to the first 1,000 qualified applicants, who must meet all admissions requirements and submit a completed application by April 9, 2013. The application includes three written essays that highlight the applicant’s educational goals, aspirations within the industry, and a personal reflection of what inspires them. The applicant must also submit a letter of recommendation from a current retail professional with knowledge of the applicant’s skills and work ethic.

After being narrowed down by executives at NRF and the University of Phoenix, final scholarship recipients will be chosen by a panel of retail and educational executives, chaired by Mindy Grossman, CEO of HSNi. Recipients will be notified on July 30, 2013.

For more information about the Dream BIG Scholarship, visit www.phoenix.edu/dreambig.