Submissions for the HBCU Leadership Challenge have now closed.

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, to earn prizes that support their development and foster more curiosity about the industry, and finally to learn more about Target through leadership and team member interaction.  

who is eligible to participate? 

Students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities that are 18+ years old 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 March 22, 2021. (The registration period has now closed.)

entry submission: it’s time to submit your entry; questions you may have before you submit... 

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 four (4) criteria:   

• Be Accountable: Individual/Team understood the problem and created a data-driven action plan to solve the issue. Individual/Team shows good understanding and consideration of current four priorities (i.e., Safety and Sales; Team; Guests; Operations Management). 
• Be Bold: Individual/Team acted fearlessly in their presentation, taking calculated risks to solve the challenge. Individual/Team considered the following: How do you communicate what you’re prioritizing and why? How are you executing strategies to achieve business goals? Do you understand how your strategies impact broader enterprise goals? 
• Be Curious: Individual/Team presented a creative, original solution that may challenge the status quo.
• Be One Team:  Individual/Team considered how to leverage partners (i.e., Human Resources Business Partners) to understand your team’s needs in order to motivate them and enable them to drive meaningful results. 

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 Target’s you’ve interacted with in 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 opportunities for improvement at hand. 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 especially relevant to Target and Target’s market:   

• ABullseyeView.com   
• Target YouTube   
• Our flagship mobile application and website  

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.    

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?   

Applicants cannot use the Target Logo or any Target brand in submissions. 

how do I submit my solution? 

Submit your entry via the online submission form. Entries can be submitted beginning  March 22, 2021 until 11:59 PM CST on  April  2, 2021. (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 you solution to Target Leaders on April 16, 2021.  

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 and support: questions after you submit your application...  

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 an applicant 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.   

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 April 9, 2021. 
• Finalist presentations will take place on April 16, 2021. 
• First Place and Runner-up prize winners will be notified by email on approximately April 23, 2021. 
• Prizes will be awarded by approximately May 7, 2021. 

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 leading one of our retail locations

As part of our collaborative and guest-focused team, you help us create an experience that makes guests say “I love Target!” You’re working alongside a dedicated team that brings their passion and pride to all that they do. You make shopping at Target inviting, frictionless and rewarding – leaving guests excited to come back.  

You run a profitable growth business that has one purpose: to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. You lead a sales force of experts, advocates and consultants that discover guests’ needs and offer solutions to earn their loyalty.   

You lead teams that are passionate about making sure guests get what they came into Target for (plus a little more) every time they shop at their local store. You develop leaders who care about their team members, and team members who care about their guests and each other.  

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