NACS Foundation Awards 15 Future Fund Scholarships for 2026
This year’s winners receive $3,000 each toward their education.
Sep 30, 2026 | 3 min read
After receiving more than 100 applications, a record number, the NACS Foundation has awarded 15 recipients a 2026 Future Fund Scholarship. With the support of Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) for the second year in a row, recipients will receive $3,000 each toward the cost of tuition at an undergraduate or community college.
Scholarship recipients also receive complimentary registration for the 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas, along with two nights of hotel accommodation and a $500 travel stipend to attend the event. They will be recognized at the NACS Show during an evening ceremony and given the first-hand opportunity to learn more about exciting career paths in the industry. The reception will be held on Wednesday, October 7, at 5:30 p.m. in the KDP booth.
“Receiving over 100 applications demonstrates the depth of talent in this industry and the strong interest in building careers in convenience. These 15 scholars exemplify that potential,” said Kevin O’Connell, executive director of the NACS Foundation. “The Future Fund began as tuition support, but its broader aim is to create a pathway from entry-level positions in our stores to future leadership roles in the industry. We appreciate Keurig Dr Pepper’s continued support of these students for the second consecutive year.”
“Keurig Dr Pepper is proud to continue our partnership with the NACS Foundation for a second year, helping provide financial assistance to the next generation of convenience industry leaders,” said Kevin Martello, vice president of foodservice and industry relations at Keurig Dr Pepper. “We also greatly value the opportunity to connect directly with scholarship recipients at NACS and offer in-person mentorship to support the future of our industry.”
This year’s winners are:
- Bailee Brock, Inland
- Madison Brown, Casey’s
- Emily DePlato, Delta Sonic
- Amaya Gainer, SunStop Urban Market–College Town (repeat winner)
- Amber Gambino, Delta Sonic
- Lucas Hartwell, Casey’s
- Tashpia Kalam, G&M Oil Company
- Karen Nicole Monterde, 7-Eleven Philippines – Philippine Seven Corporation
- Mallory Nikkel, Casey’s
- Francis Passarella, Wawa
- Daliana Paz Escobar, Delta Sonic
- Diyorahon Rakhimova, RaceTrac (repeat winner)
- Desire Rodriguez, G&M Oil Company
- Kylie Rossman, Kwik Trip
- Daniella Speranza, Delta Sonic
The NACS Foundation Scholarship is open each program year to individuals who:
- Are current employees at any level or position of a NACS retail member company and children/legal dependents of employees are eligible to apply.
- Are enrolled, or planning to enroll, in an accredited university, trade school or certificate program for the program’s academic year.
In addition, either the applicant or the parent/guardian, if the applicant is a dependent, must remain actively employed by a NACS retail member company during the entire scholarship period.
To learn more, visit conveniencecares.org/scholarship.
