$62,000 in Scholarships Available for Retail’s Next Leaders
The Retail Education Scholarship Program offers an excellent opportunity for students pursuing a career in the retail industry. Please review these guidelines carefully to ensure you submit a successful application.
For any questions, contact the Retail Council of Canada’s Education team at:
Best of luck with your application!
Scholarship Application Process
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be enrolled full-time or part-time at a Canadian college or university for Fall 2025.
- Be pursuing a retail, business, fashion, marketing, or any retail-related post-secondary program.
- Be currently employed (part-time or full-time) in the retail industry.
Application Requirements
To apply, applicants must submit the following:
1. Online Application and Release Form
2. Academic Transcript
- Submit an official transcript from the last two semesters (high school or post-secondary).
3. Proof of Enrollment
- One of the following documents:
- Letter of acceptance (or conditional letter)
- Proof of tuition payment
- Letter from the Office of the Registrar
4. Employer Reference Letter (Max 200 Words)
Must include:
- Applicant’s commitment to the retail industry
- How the applicant stands out among employees
- Justification for the scholarship award
- Contact information of the employer/supervisor
5. Sustainability in Retail Essay (800-1000 Words)
Submit a typed essay in PDF or MS Word format discussing:
- The current impact of sustainability in the retail industry
- Predictions on how sustainability will shape business strategies
- Challenges faced by retailers, such as high costs or supply chain difficulties (select one)
6. “Make Retail Your Career” Presentation
Content Requirements:
- Introduce yourself
- Employer details: Where you work and why
- Retail experience: How the past year influenced your journey
- Academic details: What program you are pursuing and why
- Career goals: Why retail is your chosen industry
Video Requirements:
- 2-3 minutes in length
- Use a mix of videos, text, images, or animation
- Film in horizontal (16:9 widescreen) format
- Submit in .pptx, .mp4, .mov, or .avi formats
- No background noise; clear speech with enthusiasm
Suggested Tools:
- PowerPoint, iMovie, Windows Media Player, Animoto, Kizoa
7. Proof of Enrollment (Duplicate Entry for Emphasis)
Same as requirement #3, ensure you submit one of the following:
- Letter of acceptance (or conditional letter)
- Proof of tuition payment
- Letter from the Office of the Registrar
Application Deadline
March 28, 2025 – Applications must be received on or before this date. Late applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
- Create an account on the Retail Council of Canada’s Application website.
- Click “Apply” to start your online application.
- Complete the application form.
- Upload documents (application, presentation, reference letter, proof of enrollment, and transcripts).
- Ensure transcripts are received before the deadline.
- Confirm submission via the application website.
Parent/Legal Guardian Consent (For Applicants Under 18)
Legal guardians must provide digital consent for applicants under 18.
Steps to Create a Guardian Account:
- Child creates an account on the Retail Council of Canada’s Application website.
- Inside the account, click “Add Team Member”.
- Enter guardian’s name and email. A system-generated email will be sent for access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How are applications evaluated?
- Reviewed by a panel of retail industry experts.
- Judges will consider applicant’s commitment to retail and impact potential.
When will applicants be notified?
- Decisions will be made around May 2025.
What is the selection process?
- Evaluation is based on criteria outlined in “Application Requirements”.
- Judges assess interest in retail careers and innovation potential.
Tips for a Successful Application
General Tips:
- Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
- Start early to avoid last-minute issues.
- Carefully craft your essay and presentation.
- Gather reference letters and transcripts in advance.
- Follow award criteria closely for higher chances of selection.
- Think creatively in your presentation approach.
Preparation Steps:
- Give yourself time – Start at least two weeks in advance.
- Understand the topic – Read instructions carefully.
- Do research – Use news, websites, textbooks for insights.
- Outline first – Organize key points before writing.
Writing the Essay/Presentation:
- Believe in your response – Back your stance with research.
- Know your audience – Keep responses relevant.
- Be original – Share personal insights and experiences.
- Start strong – Grab attention in the first few lines.
- Ensure logical flow – Link ideas cohesively.
- Avoid plagiarism – Use your own words and cite sources.
- Conclude effectively – Reinforce main points and takeaways.
Final Review:
- Seek feedback – Show your work to teachers, mentors, or peers.
- Revise thoroughly – Check for clarity, grammar, and formatting errors.
For more details, visit 2025 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION – Retail Council of Canada.
Good luck with your application!