Inaugural Retail Scholarship Challenge

The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) has launched the first-ever statewide Illinois Retail Scholarship Challenge, inviting Illinois high school seniors to develop creative, practical solutions to real business challenges in the retail industry. Teams will compete for up to $60,000 in scholarships while collaborating with leading retail partners, including Roundy’s/Mariano’s and Walgreens. This initiative is supported by grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. It’s designed to spark innovation, engage students, and strengthen the retail industry, which is the state’s largest private-sector employer, generating $112 billion in economic activity annually.

The Application Process

Before submitting your full application, please complete the Intent to Participate form. This lets IRMA know that you’re interested and ensures you receive direct communication about next steps, timelines, and submission guidance.

If you already know who you want on your team, please include their names and email addresses in the form to help streamline communication and coordination throughout the process. Don’t worry if you haven’t finalized your team yet; that information is currently optional.

Who Can Participate

We’re looking for individuals who are curious, creative, and critical thinkers. The competition is open to Illinois high school seniors interested in innovation, problem-solving, business, and real-world impact, as well as teams of two to four students. No prior retail experience is required.

What You’ll Be Working On

Student teams will develop solutions focused on real challenges facing today’s retail industry. Key competition themes include:

Sustainable Retail Practices
E-commerce Innovation
Enhancing Customer Experience
Supply Chain Optimization
Technology in Retail

A select group of teams will be invited to pitch their ideas directly to retail leaders, with top teams earning scholarships of up to $60,000.

Intent To Participate Form

Important Dates & Next Steps

Intent to Participate Form: Complete this form to help us stay in touch with important competition details

Submission period: Now open

Final proposal deadline: March 30, 2026

To review official rules, learn more about the challenge, and submit your proposal, visit IRMA’s website.

Share the Opportunity

Help spread the word by inviting others to participate. We’ve created a downloadable flyer that’s easy to share with classmates, teachers, counselors, parents, or across your social platforms. Sharing the flyer helps more students learn about the opportunity and connect to form teams.

Message from IRMA CEO

“As Illinois’ largest private-sector employer, retail is one of the most dynamic and innovative industries in our economy, and supporting the next generation of leaders is essential to our future,” said Rob Karr, President and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “The Illinois Retail Scholarship Challenge gives young people a platform to shape the future of retail while helping companies tackle real issues.”

Download the Flyer

About the Illinois Retail Merchants Association

One of the largest state retail organizations in the United States, IRMA serves as the voice of retail and the business community in state government. Founded in 1957, IRMA represents more than 23,000 stores of all sizes and merchandise lines. From the nation’s largest retailers to independent businesses in every corner of the state, merchants count on IRMA to fight for them, so they can be a part of the best possible environment to do business in Illinois. For more information, visit https://irma.org