Marcel Smith, a junior in LIM’s online bachelor’s degree program in Fashion Merchandising, has reached the final round in this year's National Retail Federation (NRF) Foundation Next Generation Scholarship competition, presented by SAS.
The NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship is a signature achievement for students interested in pursuing careers in retail. Created for students of who have demonstrated leadership skills, previous retail experience, and a passion for making an impact, the scholarship program develops students’ skills in retailing, business, and critical thinking, preparing and encouraging them to launch their career in retail and be recognized among the next generation of leaders in the industry.
Marcel’s journey to the final round included a rigorous case study that tasked participants with building comprehensive plans that detailed go-to-market strategies for a new Meijer Brand Foods program. Case studies were judged by a panel of retail executives, and Marcel was among 10 of 25 semifinalists who advanced to interviews with the National Retail Federation to select the top five.
Marcel and the other students in the top five will now participate in one more round of interviews with the NRF Foundation Board of Directors to determine the top recipient, who will be awarded $25,000. The four other finalists will get $10,000 each.
The announcement of the $25,000 scholarship recipient will be made on stage at the 2022 NRF Foundation Honors, being held in New York City in April.
