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Congratulations, 2022 HBCU Leadership Challenge finalists!

Aunjoli Myers

Jamara Harris

Jada Martin & Camron Powell

Mallori King & Semeya Parrish

Zion Melson

Watch the video below to hear Target Stores - Group Vice President, Cephas Williams, announce our first and second place HBCU Leadership Challenge Winners!

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! 

who is eligible to participate?

The HBCU Future Leaders in Retail Challenge Contest ("Contest”) is open to residents of the 50 States and the District of Columbia, 18 or older at the time of entry, who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at a Historically Black College or University ("HBCU”). Employees of Target, its affiliates, subsidiaries and their immediate families are not eligible to participate in the Contest. Void where prohibited by law.

key dates:

  • Challenge launches and registration opens: February 1, 2022
  • Registration closes: February 7, 2022
  • Submissions accepted: February 7, 2022 - March 7, 2022
  • Finalists Presentations and Judging: March 18, 2022
  • Awards: Approximately April 22, 2022

what you need to know:

  • You may participate in the HBCU Tech Challenge, the HBCU Leadership Challenge and the HBCU Design Challenge if you choose, but you can only be selected as a finalist in one Challenge.
  • You may tackle this challenge individually or in teams of two (2). 
  • You must register – confirming your intent to participate – no later than 11:59 P.M. on February 7, 2022.
  • You must submit your final entry by no later than 11:59 P.M. on March 7, 2022.

preparing your entry:

    1. Review the challenge details, associated resources, challenge rules and program FAQs for additional context to inform your proposed solution.   
    2. Develop a solution to address the proposed challenge.   
    3. Submit your entry via the online submission form – this should be a PowerPoint or PDF – voiceover/video within to help narrate your proposal is permitted.  (Note: By submitting your entry, you are confirming your acknowledgement of all terms & conditions as listed on the contest rules & restrictions page. Please review prior to submitting.)
    4. You may also submit a maximum 1-page note giving additional context for presentation if you elect not to do voiceover/video. This is optional.   
    5. Entries will be reviewed and evaluated by a cross-functional team based on the judging criteria referenced in the RULES.

    After submission of your entry, you can add the HBCU Future Leaders in Retail Challenge to your resume using the following language: "Competed in Target's HBCU Future Leaders in Retail  Challenge to propose innovative solutions to improve guest experience and team climate through the perspective of a Store Director." 

    prizes: 

    First Place Prize Winner(s): 

    One individual or a team of up to 2: Total Value up to $4,900. 

    *Note: Within teams of two, each participating teammate will split the cash prize equally but receive their own of all other prizes listed.  

    • $3,000 Cash prize 
    • MacBook ($1,500 value)   
    • External Monitor ($400 value) 
    • And more! 

     The institution(s) of the First Place Winner(s) will also receive a cash prize. *Note: Within teams of two, each participating teammate will split the cash prize equally. 

    • $5,000 cash prize to winner’s school of study at their HBCU 

    2nd Place Prize Winner(s): 

    One individual or a team of up to 2: Total Value up to $3,200. 

    *Note: Within teams of two, each participating teammate will split the cash prize equally but receive their own of all other prizes listed.  

    • $2,000 Cash prize 
    • Apple iPad Pro ($1,000 value)   
    • External Monitor ($200 value) 
    • And more!

    The institution(s) of the 2nd Place Winner(s) will also receive a cash prize. *Note: Within teams of two, each participating teammate will split the cash prize equally. 

    • $3,000 cash prize to winner’s school of study at their HBCU 

    Finalists: 

    Up to five (5) finalists will be chosen: Total Value $500. 

    *Note: Within teams of two, each participating teammate will split the gift card prize equally (two (2) gift cards totaling $250 will be given to each participating teammate).  

    • $500 Target Gift Card 

    All Participants Receive:  

    • Networking and meaningful interaction with Target leaders.
    • An invitation to join an exclusive leadership development workshop led by Target store leaders.
    • The opportunity to add The HBCU Future Leaders in Retail Challenge as a line item on their resume.
    Legal Disclaimer

    By submitting your entry you are confirming that you have read and agree to the contest RULES. 

    Participation in the HBCU Future Leaders in Retail Challenge is entirely voluntary and does not create an employment relationship with Target. Individuals who do choose to participate will not be compensated for the time spent on their submission or for their submitted artwork. 

    By participating in this Contest, Participants are confirming that you understand that submitted concepts may or may not be part of Target’s previous, current or future business endeavors. By uploading a submission you agree to give Target a royalty free, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, license for incidental use of your submission in any form, media or technology now known or later developed, only for historical, promotional or marketing purposes.


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