ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Investing in the development of employees who show leadership potential can be one of the smartest decisions a business owner can make.

The NACS Scholarship Program was established in 1998 to honor industry icons Jim Yates and David Erikson by providing a means for retail members to recognize, reward and inspire top talent within their companies. Since then, the program has awarded nearly $400,000 in the form of scholarships to NACS retail member company employees.

Each year, the NACS Foundation distributes up to 11 scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to help support industry employees who demonstrate the potential for future growth as a leader and industry innovator. The scholarships cover part of the cost of undergraduate career education. Recipients are also given the opportunity to attend the NACS Show, where selected winners will be recognized at a special ceremony and have a first-hand opportunity to learn more about the exciting career paths in the industry. See how the scholarships have helped past winners achieve their professional and personal dreams, in this video.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be current full- or part-time employees of a NACS retail member company. Students must also be enrolled for the fall 2015 semester at any accredited two- or four-year college, university or technical institution, and continue to be enrolled for the entire year (2015-16). Companies may nominate applicants for scholarships. The deadline to submit applications for the 2015-16 NACS Scholarship is Monday, June 8. Award winners will be notified on or before June 30. Read more about the NACS Scholarship Program and download an application here.

For additional information about applying for a NACS Scholarship, contact NACS Retail Membership Manager Jenn Smith or visit nacsonline.com/NACSScholarship.