Retail Education Scholarship

$60,000+ in Scholarships for Retail’s Next Leaders

For over 20 years, Retail Council of Canada (RCC) has championed the next generation of retail leaders. With over $1 million awarded to date, RCC’s Retail Education Scholarship Program goes beyond financial aid – it connects students with exclusive mentorship and networking opportunities led by Canada’s top retail professionals to prepare students thrive and shape the future of the industry.

2026 Retail Education Scholarship Program

Each year, RCC awards scholarships to students interested in a career in retail or who currently work in retail. This year, $62,000 in scholarships will be awarded to students from across the country who are working in retail and who are entering or currently enrolled in a retail-related program at a Canadian post-secondary institution.

In addition to the scholarships, recipients will receive an all-access pass, including travel and accommodation, to attend RCCSTORE26. RCC is proud to announce this year’s winners for 2026.

Scholarship Silent Auction

Every bid contributes directly to the Retail Education Scholarship Program! Help empower the next generation of retail leaders. Join us in supporting the future of retail education by participating in our silent auction.

2026 Special Award Winners

Among the students awarded Retail Education Scholarships, five received additional honours.

Eric Zhang

Western University
JRoss Retail Recruiters

David MacRae

George Brown Polytechnic
Costco Wholesale Canada

Ryan Stasolla

McGill University
RCL – Reitmans Canada Ltd.

Amaira Bons

Toronto Metropolitan University
Browns Shoes

Yonadab Sameer

York University
Retail Council of Canada

2026 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

In addition to the scholarships, recipients will receive an all-access pass, including travel and accommodation, to attend RCCSTORE26. RCC is proud to announce this year’s winners for 2026.

Saliha Shajani

Sponsored by
Canadian Tire Corporation

Caleb Dunn

Sponsored by
Canadian Tire Corporation

Addison Muller

Sponsored by
Canadian Tire Corporation

Colby Scott

Sponsored by
Home Hardware Stores Ltd.

David MacRae

Sponsored by
Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.

Younggue Lee

Sponsored by
Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.

Rino Minaudo

Sponsored by
Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.

Marya Sharara

Proudly Supported by Industry Leaders

We extend heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, whose dedication helps bring this program to life.

“The Retail Education Scholarship inspired me to see retail as a long-term career. Attending STORE 2025 let me meet industry leaders and understand how they shape customer experiences. I’m now researching how AI forecasting and RFID improve inventory, supply chain, and sustainability in Canadian retail.”

“The Retail Education Scholarship gave me an amazing opportunity to network and build lasting connections. My sponsoring company still checks in and supports my journey. I loved the atmosphere at STORE — meeting successful professionals and feeling confident in that space was unforgettable.”

“Attending STORE 2025 and the Scholarship Breakfast brought my 15 years at Costco full circle. Meeting Pietro Nenci and discussing responsible AI, cybersecurity, and digital governance reinforced how ethics and innovation evolve together. The program helped connect my legal, tech, and retail experience into a path for ethical AI leadership.”

Larger Scholarships, Brighter Futures. Are you passionate about building a career in retail? Enrolled in a related post-secondary program and currently working in retail? This year, the RCC Retail Education Scholarship Program is offering even larger awards to support and celebrate Canada’s brightest retail talent. With over $60,000 in scholarship awards, this is your opportunity to fast-track your future!

Why Apply?

Financial Support: $60,000 + in scholarships available—awards from $3,000 to $5,000.
Mentorship: Learn directly from Canada’s top retail leaders.
Networking: Build connections with industry leaders and peers.
National Recognition: Be celebrated as one of retail’s rising stars.
Deadline: 2025 Program is now closed. 2026 program will launch January 12, 2026. The application deadline is March 30, 2026.

Your Retail Journey Starts Here

Retail is where innovation meets opportunity. This is your moment to join an industry that rewards talent, passion, and leadership. Take the first step toward an exciting career in retail.

Deadline: 2026 Program will accept applications beginning January 12, 2026. Deadline is March 30, 2026.