Retail as a Career Scholarship Program

Retail Council of Canada, in partnership with industry sponsors, will award more than $85,000 in scholarships and benefits to students entering or currently enrolled in a business, marketing or retail-related program at a Canadian post-secondary institution.

Students who receive the scholarships will not only benefit from financial assistance for their post-secondary education, but will also attend STORE 2013 in Toronto where they will have the opportunity to engage with the brightest professionals in the Canadian retail industry.

A $5,000 scholarship will be awarded by Interac Association to the top Retail as a Career Scholarship applicant, whose name will not be disclosed until STORE 2013

26 scholarships are available this year — one (1) $5,000 Interac Scholarship in addition to twenty-five (25) $1,000 Industry-Sponsored Scholarships.

Each scholarship winner will receive the following:

• Financial assistance for their post-secondary education.
• Hotel and travel expenses to attend STORE 2013, the Canadian retail industry's premier conference, which will be held over June 4 & 5, 2013. While in attendance at STORE 2013, recipients of the scholarships will have the opportunity to sit in on educational sessions and network with top industry professionals.

Application Deadline: March 30, 2013

2013 Scholarship Winners

Scholarship Application Process

Who is eligible to apply?

• To be considered for one of the scholarships applicants must meet the following criteria:
  • Enrolled full-time or part-time at a Canadian college or university in Fall 2013. 
  • Pursuing a retail, business or marketing-related program.
  • Currently working part-time or full-time within the retail industry.

What do applicants need in order to apply?

• Completed online application profile
• Official transcript from either high school or post-secondary institution from the last two semesters
• A reference letter (200 words max.) from current employer that includes the following:
  • Applicant's demonstrated and continued commitment to the retail industry
  • Ways in which the applicant has distinguished him/herself from other employees
  • Reasons indicating why the applicant is deserving of this scholarship
  • Current employer/supervisor contact information
• A typed essay (500-700 words) that answers the following questions:
  • Workplace performance and engagement are directly linked, and are led from the top of any great business. An effective leader ensures that their employees are plugged in to processes and direction and that they are given the opportunity to feed in to the decisions that affect the organization as a whole. When a leader engages their employees they instill in them a sense that they are a part of something bigger than themselves, often equipping them for greater learning and achievement which results in increased motivation and a greater sense of meaning with respect to their individual responsibilities. A great leader inspires employees to do more and to aspire to greatness. 
    As the future generation of retail leaders, what attributes do you feel a great leader possesses?  What skills are required to be successful in this industry?  What skills do you currently possess that will make you a great leader? And, how do you feel your experience and educational pursuits will help you become a great leader?
• Proof of applicant's enrollment in a Canadian post-secondary institution. One of the following will suffice:
  • Letter of acceptance or conditional letter of acceptance
  • Proof of tuition payment
  • Letter from Office of Registrar

Please note: This scholarship program is for students who are enrolled in or applying to retail, business or marketing post-secondary programs in September 2013. If you are not in one of these programs or attending school in Fall 2013, your application will NOT be considered.

Retail Council of Canada must receive applications on or before Friday March 29, 2013. Late applications will not be considered.

How are the applications processed?

• Applications will be reviewed by a panel of retail industry experts.
• Every effort will be made to engage a cross-section of Canadian industry professionals who possess a range of experience in the review process.

When will applicants know if they're submission has been successful?

• The review process typically takes about four weeks.
• A decision will be made on or around the week of May 15, 2013.

What does the selection process involve?

• Applicant's submissions will be evaluated on the criteria outlined in the "What do applicants need in order to apply?" section.
• We are looking to see that applicants have demonstrated an interest in pursuing a career in retail and have put some thought into how they are going to make an impact on the retail industry.

Many thanks to our generous sponsors who help support the program!!!