For additional context and direction, review the following answers to common questions regarding the inaugural HBCU Future Leaders in Retail Challenge.  

getting started: questions you may have as you're gearing up for the challenge

why is this challenge happening? 

Target is committed to investing in Black Communities, and that means investing in Black talent—including students from Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU). We believe this challenge provides HBCU students the opportunity to stretch their skills outside of the classroom, earn prizes that support their development, foster more curiosity about the industry, and learn more about Target through leadership and team member interaction.    

who is eligible to participate? 

Students who are 18+ years old, currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at a Historically Black College or University (“HBCU”), and are interested in learning about a career in leadership. 

when do I need to register?  

You must register, signaling your intent to participate, no later than 11:59 P.M. on February 7, 2022. 

Can I work with a team? 

You may tackle this challenge individually or in a team of two (2). 

entry details: it’s time to submit your entry; what to include in your solution submission

what is Target looking for from a future leaders in retail challenge submission? 

Entries submitted will be judged by Target Store Leaders as well as Recruiters. The decisions of the judges are final. We will be looking for solutions that meet the following three (3) criteria:   

• Care: Individual/Team showed care for their guests and community by implementing strategies that will deliver an incredible guest experience.
• Grow: Individual/Team prioritized Bounce Back focuses properly and was able to articulate why, executed strategies to achieve business goals and understood how strategies impact broader enterprise goals.
• Win Together: Individual/Team considered how to leverage partners (e.g., Human Resources Business Partners) to understand their team’s needs in order to motivate them and enable them to drive meaningful results. Individual/Team created an inclusive environment where our team loves to work. 

where can I find inspiration?  

Your inspiration can come from anywhere. We’d love to know how you were inspired. We want to see original ideas that do not infringe on others’ creations, brands or copyrights.  Think about the Targets you’ve visited within your local communities. What do we do well? How can we show up differently for the guests in those communities? 

The information you gather to create your presentation may depend on how you choose to prioritize the "Bounce Back” focuses. Basic information and links have been provided, and additional primary and secondary research is encouraged.  In addition to the reference materials provided for each project, you may also review the Target resources below to help make your design specifically relevant to Target and Target’s market:   

• ABullseyeView.com   
• Target YouTube   
• Our flagship mobile application and website  
• Interactive Store Map  
• Store Director Mentors – Store Directors across the country have volunteered to mentor challenge participants by answering questions, serving as thought partners, and sharing more about their roles as a leaders at Target. Mentorship is provided as needed to guide you as you build your solution.  

are there specific artwork/design limitations or submission guidelines?    

You can choose what your presentation design looks like.  Applicants must submit digital files. A PowerPoint with a voiceover recording walking us through your solution is recommended to provide us with as much detail as possible.  A one-page document sharing additional information/speaker’s notes is permitted but not required.  If you have any challenges submitting your presentation, please reach out to HBCULeadershipChallenge@target.com.  No mailed or in person submissions will be accepted.   Target Corporation cannot provide templates for your presentation. 

what are the file size/format limitations? 

We encourage ideas and formats of all kinds - so feel free to upload your submission in the electronic format that works best for you. This should be a presentation deck with optional audio voiceover or a video file. The entry forms support all common file formats (i.e. .pdf, .jpg, .mov, .doc, .ppt, etc.). The submission form can be found on the challenge details page.

can I use the Target logo?   

Participants cannot use the Target Corporation Logo or any Target Corporation brand in submissions.   

how do I submit my solution? 

Submit your entry via the online submission form. Entries can be submitted beginning  February 7, 2022 until 11:59 PM on  March 7, 2022. (Note: By submitting your entry you are confirming that you have read and agree to the contest RULES).    

how will solutions be selected? 

Entries to the HBCU Future Leaders in Retail Challenge will be reviewed by a cross-functional team of Target Recruiters and Leaders.  If you are selected as a finalist, you will be invited to formally present your solution to Target Leaders on March 18, 2022. Finalist selections made by reviewers are final. 

who owns the rights to the submitted solutions? 

Target requires that the Winners assign rights to use their submitted solutions to Target. Winners and Finalists will need to sign a “release and waiver” in order to receive their prize. The Winners will be required to sign an “assignment agreement” in order to receive their prize. The assignment agreement will transfer all intellectual property rights in your design to Target. 

submission review: what happens after you apply  

can I tell friends about the HBCU Future Leaders in Retail Challenge? 

Yes! We encourage you to share this unique opportunity with anyone eligible to participate.   

what is the difference between a finalist and a winner? 

A Finalist is a challenge participant that has made it through the first round of judging. Target will let you know if you are a Finalist. Finalists will be contacted by HBCULeadershipChallenge@target.com to notify them to prepare their submissions for presentation to the leader judging panel.  Winners are applicants who have made it through the Finalist phase and have been chosen to be awarded prizes for this year’s challenge.  All finalists and winner selections are final. 

when will I know if I am a finalist or a winner? 

Target will contact you if you are a Finalist or a Winner.  

• Contest Finalists will be notified by email by approximately March 11, 2022.
• Finalist presentations will take place on March 18, 2022.
• First Place and Runner-up prize winners will be notified by email on approximately March 25, 2022.
• Prizes will be awarded by approximately April 22, 2022.

what if I have more questions? 

If you find you have additional questions after reviewing the site and FAQs, email HBCULeadershipChallenge@target.com.   

more about the HBCU future leaders in retail challenge

The HBCU Future Leaders in Retail Challenge is a case study competition to develop comprehensive leadership plans that will provide students with exposure to the scope of responsibilities and dynamic challenges that Target Leaders tackle on a day-to-day basis while further developing their own leadership skills, professional acuity and retail acumen. 

For more on what it's like to work at Target, hear from a few of our current team members, leaders, and recruiters!