Atlanta Retailers Foundation’s Scholarship Policy

The Atlanta Retailers Foundation (“ARF”), in conjunction with the Atlanta Retailers Association (“ARA”), is pleased to offer a Scholarship Program to recognize and reward the educational achievements and aspirations of its members and their families, encourage the pursuit of higher education and lifelong learning, and help ease the financial burden associated with educational expenses.

The Scholarship Program is developed and administered by the ARF & ARA, located at 2055 North Brown Road, Suite 200, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043. The scholarship program is open to all eligible students, regardless of background, who are pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited college, university, or vocational institution. By providing financial assistance toward tuition and educational expenses, ARF aims to help reduce the financial burden of higher education while empowering deserving students to pursue their academic and career goals. Through this program, ARF proudly invests in the next generation of leaders and helps expand educational opportunities within our community.

A complete application consists of an application form and all required verifiable supporting documents, including a personal essay. Incomplete applications will not be considered. All applications must be received by or postmarked on Friday, April 10, 2026. Application and all documents submitted become ARF’s property. ARF will employ a fair and consistent selection process, with internal oversight, in awarding the scholarships based on the stated criteria. ARF reserves the right to select scholarship recipients, and its decisions will be considered final and not subject to contest. ARF makes no distinction or judgment in awarding scholarships based on age, gender, race, religion, national origin, or disabilities.

If you are awarded a scholarship from ARF, your signature verifies that the information you have provided on the application is correct to the best of your knowledge and authorizes ARF to utilize all or a portion of the information contained therein for purposes of press releases and/or in articles for publication in ARA’s and ARF’s newsletter, web site, newspapers, trade magazines, etc., announcing the scholarship program, award recipients’ names, enrolled schools, programs being pursued and other reported information. The award recipient will be selected and notified by May 9^th, 2026. Notification will be by phone and also announced at ARA’s office location, on the website, on social media, and in the newsletter. If a recipient cannot be contacted or has not claimed their award within 5 days of notification, another recipient will be selected and notified. All recipients will be requested to sign an affidavit of eligibility and a release, which will be provided by ARF and ARA. Recipients may be required to attend the awards ceremony. Acceptance of this award constitutes authorization to use the recipient’s photograph, other likeness, and name without compensation. No substitution will be made for the awards. Awards are non-transferable. Recipients are responsible for any tax liability.

ARF reserves the right to discontinue the program, change its policies and procedures, and disqualify an applicant for noncompliance with rules at any time and without prior notice.

The Scholarship Program is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations and void where prohibited. Contact ARF or ARA for more information.

Award Description

ARF will award several need and merit-based scholarships of up to $1,500 to qualifying members to attend an academic program at an accredited educational institution in the United States.

The award will be disbursed directly to the students for tuition, books, housing, and related academic expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

The ARF Scholarship Program is designed to support and encourage the academic aspirations of outstanding students pursuing higher education. Through this initiative, ARF & ARA seek to recognize students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and commitment to personal growth. By providing financial assistance toward tuition and educational expenses, the scholarship program aims to help deserving students reduce the financial burden of college while empowering them to pursue their educational and career goals. ARF is proud to invest in the next generation of leaders and contribute to the advancement of education and opportunity within the community.

The applicant must pursue a certificate/diploma course or an associate, graduate, or postgraduate degree program in an accredited public or private college, university, or vocational/technical institution, on a part-time or full-time basis.

The applicant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or an equivalent score from the last school attended.

The applicant must be accepted to enroll in an accredited college, university, or vocational/technical institution

In addition to a strong academic standing, the applicant must excel, demonstrate, or show participation in some/all of these areas:
– Leadership
– Community Service
– Athletics
– Extracurricular Activities
– Work Experience

The ARF Board of Directors and their family members who reside in the same household are not eligible for this scholarship program.