Cali Burns, an undergraduate in the Textile and Apparel Management (TAM) program, is the first MU student to be selected as a top five finalist for the NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship and will receive a $10,000 tuition scholarship. 

This scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership skills, previous retail experience, and a passion for making an impact in the retail industry. 

Burns, who works as an assistant buyer for The Mizzou Store, says, “Working in retail lets you be both creative and analytical, and I think you need a blend of both sides to be successful.”

The NRF scholarship competition involved a summer case study in collaboration with Macy’s, two interviews with retailers, and interviews with NRF staff. Between the TAM program and her job with The Mizzou Store, the hands-on experience Burns has gained in the retail industry helped solidify her place as a finalist.

Of the finalists, NRF Foundation’s Executive Director Adam Lukoskie says, “These young individuals have shown true passion, tenacity, and creative vision throughout the competition.”

“I’m very thankful for all of the great experiences and the joy that the NRF Foundation has brought into my life,” says Burns. “This is such a unique opportunity and there’s really nothing else like it.”