Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) launched its annual scholarship competition on Jan. 1, 2026. Fifteen $3,500 scholarships will be awarded for the 2026-2027 academic year. Eight Platinum Legacy Scholarships and seven Michigan Retailers Association Legacy Scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate students.

Deadline to Apply: April 1, 2026

 

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include current high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who meet one of the following criteria:

  • Dependent children of owners or full-time employees of MRA member businesses.
    The parent or guardian must have been employed by an MRA member firm on or before Jan. 1, 2025.
  • Part-time employees of MRA member businesses who are full-time students. Employment with an MRA member must have started on or before July 1, 2025.

Recipients will be selected based on the student’s academic credentials and extracurricular activities, including, but not limited to, retail employment. Financial need is not a consideration. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply. The scholarships may be used at any accredited non-profit college, university, or approved educational and professional training institute in the United States. 

How to Apply

Students can apply online at Retailers.com/scholarship. Questions regarding student eligibility, business membership status, and the application process can be directed to MRA’s scholarship program administrator through a form on the website.

Winner Selection

An independent selection committee made up of educators will select the winners in April. While selecting the winners, the committee evaluates the applicants’ academic records, test scores, and extracurricular activities. The committee will not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, or national origin. Applicants are ranked largely on the basis of the qualifications described above. All applicants will be notified of the results of the scholarship competition in June, and winners will be featured in the August/September issue of the Michigan Retailer magazine.

Platinum Donors and Legacy Scholarship Contributors

Since 1999, the MRA Foundation has awarded 652 scholarships, totaling $793,750, to Michigan students thanks to contributions from members, directors, employees, and other generous donors. View the list of Foundation contributors and their recognition levels here.