What Retail Company Scholarships Can Students Apply for?
Many of the biggest retailers in the United States offer scholarship funds to undergrad and graduate students. Walmart and Target award retail company scholarships to their employees and family members. But others are open to a wide pool of students. Coca Cola awards $20,000 scholarships to high school seniors.
There are two types of scholarship programs retail companies offer based on financial need and merit. Need based awards usually look at the information on your FAFSA. Merit is about academic achievement. They look at a minimum GPA, test scores and leadership. As long as you meet the criteria for either, you may apply. To do so, you are likely to fill out a scholarship application. These forms spell out any extra documents you need to submit and due date.
Each year, Home Depot sponsors up to 1,000 scholarships for their Orange Scholars program. Scholarship recipients could up to receive $2,500. These are for the children of current associates. Full or part time hourly employees’ may also qualify. Eligible applicants must be current high school seniors or college students. You must be planning to enroll full time. You also must be attending an accredited nonprofit two year community college or four year college/university.
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship is a national scholarship program. So, you do not have to be an employee of Amazon to apply. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors with at least one AP computer science course. You must also plan study full time at an accredited four year college. Accepted majors are software engineering, computer engineering or one related to CS. Winners of the award receive $10,000 at an accredited four year college or university. They also get a paid summer internship at Amazon after their freshman year of college.
10 Retail Scholarships You Should Apply for
Ready to start your scholarship search? Here’s a list of college scholarships from retail chains to start you out. Double check their eligibility requirements. Contact the providers if you have any questions about their application process.
Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
Bristol Myers Squibb Scholarship for Cancer Survivors
Dell Scholars Program
Walmart Associate Scholarship
Walmart Dependent Scholarship
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
CVS Pharmacy, Inc. Pharmacy Scholarship
AXA Achievement Scholarship
The Home Depot Orange Scholars Scholarship
Costco Scholarship
Are There Retail Scholarship Opportunities by Major?
There are awards for students studying fashion, supply chain or retail management. Retail company scholarships could make it less expensive to pursue a college degree. The retail industry has many careers in sales, marketing, supply chain, fashion and more. So, as a prospective undergraduate student, there are many options when it comes to choosing a career path. You may want to start a business, new trend or work behind the scenes solving operational problems. Whatever your goals, use them to pinpoint scholarships to help you earn a college degree. A college degree could also boost lifetime earnings according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. People with a bachelor’s degree tend to earn at least $2,000 per month more than those with a high school diploma.
Retail Management Scholarships
A retail management degree blends business, data analysis, branding and more. These areas help students understand how to run stores and sell products. Colleges that offer this type of program may also have scholarships for new and current students.
Once you graduate, there may be various jobs to pursue like retail sales manager. Salaries in retail management could vary. Some sales managers earn median annual wages of $126,640 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising is FIDM. Each year their national FIDM Scholarship Competition also helps students pay for some of the costs of studying at FIDM. In all, they offer 6 full one year National Scholarships. Awards valued up to $36,000 each. Six partial $10,000 awards each as well. All HS seniors and graduates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may apply if first time FIDM students.
Fashion Scholarships
Many fashion designers and merchandisers enter the field with a bachelor’s degree. These programs often explore textiles, fabrics and industry software. Graduates often work in areas like management, entertainment, manufacturing. Median salaries in these areas range from $37,260 to over $149,010, according to the BLS.
Another retail company scholarship is from Two Ten Footwear. They offer $3,000 renewable scholarships for any student who is studying design with a focus on footwear. The criteria used to choose recipients are financial need and three design drawings from their portfolio.
Supply Chain Management Scholarships
A supply chain manager figures out how to move a product from supplier to consumer. Programs that prep for these careers often discuss purchasing, logistics and transport. If this area sounds interesting to you, many supply logisticians jobs require an associate or bachelor’s degree. After you graduate, people in this field report median annual wages of $74,750, and demand for workers tends to be steady.
North American Van Lines is one of the largest moving companies in the U.S. To ensure the industry has qualified professionals, they sponsor the North American Van Lines 2020 Logistics Scholarship Competition. Eligible applicants must be current or enrolling in an accredited college in the U.S. You also must pursue a degree in supply chain management. Three people may each receive a $1,000 scholarship to help them fund their studies at the school of their choice.
Why Do Retail Companies Offer Scholarships?
Many companies want to make a positive impact to the community by helping students pay for their college education. They want to offer benefits and encourage growth. They also encourage diverse workforce. Whatever the goal behind the giving, Fortune 500 companies represent 2/3rd’s of the U.S. GDP. Overall, that’s $13.7 trillion in revenue. Here are a few common reasons why major retail companies provide scholarships.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a way for brands to give back to the community and provide positive social impact. For instance, companies offer financial aid to those in need. The Dunkin’ Donuts Philadelphia Regional Scholarship Program gives back to 25 student residents of PA, NJ and DE. Awards are worth up to $3,000. Eligible applicants need a 3.0 GPA and must also be active in their communities.
Employee Benefits & Tuition Reimbursement
Some companies also have tuition reimbursement for eligible employees. The aim is often to create a work culture that nurtures morale and loyalty. They also want to recruit talent that contributes to the company’s success. Walmart Associates Scholarship Program is an example. It’s for eligible employees and their high school senior children. The funds offset the cost of a two year or four year college degree, trade or technical school certificates.
Encourage Diversity and Inclusivity
For example, the Microsoft Scholarships are for eligible applicants studying computer science/engineering or a related field. Minority and female students as well as students with disabilities often benefit from these awards.
Growth in a Particular Field
Other companies may want attract skilled workers from diverse backgrounds. The scholarships offered may serve as an incentive for students to pursue specific degrees or fields. Retail company scholarships may also encourage innovation among growing talent. Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program honors bright student athletes who show strong leadership skills in sports, their school and community. There are 20 recipients, and each may receive a $20,000 college scholarship.