The NGA Foundation helps students explore and pursue careers in independent grocery through more than 20 scholarship opportunities. We support students stepping into their family businesses, entering new careers, and exploring the wider industry around their summer and entry-level jobs.
Meet the 2026 NGA Foundation Scholars
Our scholarship recipients share what the independent grocery industry means to them and where they want to take it.
Congratulations to all 21 of this year’s NGA Foundation scholars. See who they are in the press release.
“Ultimately, I hope to shape a future where grocery retail is not just automated, but deeply human, accessible, and rooted in community trust.”
Kaya M. Bullard
University of California, Berkeley
Charlie and Becky Bray Legacy
“Pursuing my master’s degree means stepping away from a successful career while supporting my wife and children. This scholarship eases that burden and allows me to focus more fully on learning.”
Christian Stauffer
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
ECRS Scholarship
“It is an honor to accept this scholarship as a fifth generation grocer. I want to work my way up through every position from bagger to CEO so I understand how to make the decisions.”
Alex Wiltse
University of Northern Iowa
Peter & Jody Larkin Legacy Scholarship
“I want to be an advocate for the grocery industry, helping people see grocers as a vital part of the food system instead of just a place to pick up groceries.”
Campbell Booth
University of Minnesota
Women Grocers of America Scholarship
How to Apply
Submit one application, and our reviewers will consider you for every potential award. Applications for the 2027 scholarship cycle will open in January.
Eligibility:
- You are a rising college freshman through a graduate student attending a U.S. college or university
- You will be enrolled at the time of disbursement (fall semester)
- You have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- You are majoring in business, food management, accounting, human resources, IT, or another focus leading to a career in grocery
- Experience in the grocery industry is highly valued—many of our scholars started as baggers, courtesy clerks, or cashiers—but not required.
The Scholarships
Each fund is created in honor of an individual or organization whose contributions left a lasting impact on independent grocery. Thank you to our sponsors.
- Asparagus Club Scholarship (5 awards)
- Asparagus Club, Thomas K. Zaucha Award
- Buehler’s Fresh Food — Ed & Helen Buehler Scholarship
- Buehler’s Fresh Food — People First Scholarship
- Charlie and Becky Bray Legacy Scholarship
- Ecolab Women in Grocery Scholarship
- ECRS Retail Technology Scholarship (2 awards)
- FMS “Profit Hound” Scholarships (2 awards) — awarded to a child of state or local law enforcement officers
- Kimberly-Clark Corporation Legacy Scholarship
- Peter and Jody Larkin Legacy Scholarship
- Roger Collins Leadership Scholarship
- Ronnie Horton Legacy Scholarship
- Women Grocers of America Scholarship
- WGA’s Mary Macey Scholarship
Fund A Scholarship
Every scholarship exists because someone decided to build on the legacy of a business or an esteemed individual. You can start one too — in honor of a mentor, a family member, a colleague, or your company. It is the most direct way you can invest in the industry’s talent pipeline.
How it works
- Scholarships start at $1,000, with a $250 administration fee per scholarship per year
- Legacy scholarships require a multi-year commitment, paid up front or annually
- You can specify candidate qualifications or follow the existing NGAF scholarship requirements
Contact nga-foundation@nationalgrocers.org or call 202-938-2570.