NACS Leadership Institute

This form is the primary application document for the NACS Leadership Institute, sponsored by the NACS Foundation. In addition to this form, you will also need to submit a brief resumé and obtain an agreement and reference letter from your supervisor to support your participation in the program.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Job Title*

Email*

example@example.com

Store Name*

Institution Served*

Brief description of your primary job responsibilities*

Successful program participants will have skills and experiences relevant to collegiate and/or general retailing. In the list of criteria below, please check all that apply:*

Minimum 2 years of campus store industry experience (store and/or supplier)Other retail-related experienceOther experience relevant to campus store industry (can be described in the resumé you provide)Profit & Loss responsibility for campus store or other retail-centric companyMinimum 2 years’ experience in a position with fiscal responsibility (for example, product buying and inventory management, expense management of store operations)

Describe your other retail-related experience*

Describe experiences you have had that may contribute to your success as a participant in the Leadership Institute Cohort*

Include volunteer activities you have participated in such as community service, unpaid support or leadership roles with not-for-profit organizations, or involvement with political activities.

Describe any challenges you anticipate as a program participant and how you plan to address them*

Describe your abilities to work collaboratively with others and provide examples*

If you are selected for the program, you will be matched with a mentor from the industry to provide guidance, accountability, and support. Describe what expectations and how you think they will contribute to your success in the program and in the future?*

Describe your career and professional goals for the next three years. Explain how participation in the Leadership Institute may help you achieve these goals*

The resumé you include as part of the application process should provide more details about the relevant criteria you have checked.

Upload Resumé*

The NACS Leadership Institute, sponsored by the NACS Foundation, is designed to go beyond ordinary skills training programs. The Institute will not only address key factors that enable proficiency in collegiate retail but also will push you to expand and advance your ideas. Through simulation exercises, group collaborations, team activities, and guidance from facilitators, you will learn new concepts, gain experience in expanding and advancing your ideas, and be tasked with developing pathways to adapt and apply your ideas and knowledge for the benefit of your store and institution.

Successful completion of the Leadership Institute requires a commitment of your time and active participation. The estimated time commitment for the virtual learning portion of the program is 3-4 hours each month. This includes time to complete assignments, periodic virtual meetings with the primary facilitator, and meetings with a designated mentor. Additional time will be spent preparing a final presentation after the virtual learning. The Leadership Institute culminates with a five-day in-person event. Please note that attendance at the in-person event is a mandatory component of the program.

To be considered for participation please acknowledge each of the required commitments below by reading them carefully and checking the adjacent box. By checking the boxes below, you are giving your agreement to make these commitments:*

To participate in all virtual learning sessions, including the program orientation and program kick-off as noted on the preliminary schedule.To participate in the financial and simulation assignments. I understand these events are critical to my professional development and to my successful completion of the program.To participate in the final presentation prior to the in-person event.I understand a requirement of the program is attending the in-person conference (June 2026) and to participate in all activities, discussions, and events to the best of abilities.Following completion of the program, I understand I may be asked to consider various industry volunteer opportunities which further my professional advancement and leadership capabilities.

(All boxes must be checked to acknowledge you have read and understand the required commitment. If any boxes are left unchecked your application may be considered incomplete, which may affect your ability to be selected.)

NACS Leadership Institute

PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT