PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Adding to its commitment to the American retail industry as a vital sector of the country's economy, University of Phoenix, one of the nation’s largest private universities, and Stein Mart today announced a new scholarship program for employees of the nationwide retailer.

“Our University of Phoenix alliance helps us to develop internal talent, resulting in enhanced associate engagement and alignment with more broadly developed business and management competencies,” said Hunt Hawkins, executive vice president at Stein Mart.

"We're committed to our students' desires to see degree programs align with career prospects in the retail industry," said Barry Feierstein, chief business operating officer of University of Phoenix. "We offer a wide range of programs that offer the opportunity to acquire skills aligned with the needs of important employers, like Stein Mart."

The 2013 University of Phoenix/Stein Mart Scholarship recipients include:

• Patricia Tran, Chino Hills, Calif., enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program in business with a concentration in management.
• Julie Cascarelli, Poway, Calif., enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program in business with a concentration in management.

"Our employees' success in higher education is directly tied to our company's mission. We see this program's success as an important part of our commitment to a more educated workforce, and expect great things from Patricia, Julie and future scholarship recipients," said Greg Lohman, vice president of human resources at Stein Mart.

In addition to the scholarship with Stein Mart, University of Phoenix also works with the National Retail Federation (NRF) to help develop talent through education, scholarships and foster career growth among those who work in retail. Through this effort, University of Phoenix and NRF have awarded 10 full-tuition “Dream BIG” scholarships to people working in retail, so they can advance their retail careers through education.

University of Phoenix/Stein Mart Scholarships demonstrates our corporate social responsibility to provide access to education opportunities. To learn more about University of Phoenix scholarships, please visit www.phoenix.edu/scholarships.

To learn more about University of Phoenix’s efforts to better equip the American workforce through innovative alliances, learning tools and program offerings, visit www.apollogrp.edu/workforce.

The Dream BIG scholarship program is provided through the NRF’s nonprofit arm, the NRF Foundation, and the University of Phoenix. For more information about the Dream BIG recipients, view their profiles at www.thisisretail.org/dreambig.

About Stein Mart

Stein Mart stores offer the fashion merchandise, service and presentation of a better department or specialty store, at prices competitive with off-price retail chains. Currently with locations from California to Massachusetts, Stein Mart's focused assortment of merchandise features current season, moderate to better fashion apparel for women and men, as well as accessories, shoes and home fashions. For more information about Stein Mart or to find your nearest location, please visit www.steinmart.com.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S., as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

About NRF Foundation

The NRF Foundation shapes retail’s future by building awareness of the industry through statistics and stories; developing talent through education, experiences and scholarships; and fostering career growth among people who work in retail. The NRF Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the National Retail Federation and is funded in part by generous donations from retail industry supporters. www.nrffoundation.com.

About NRF

As the world’s largest retail trade association and the voice of retail worldwide, NRF represents retailers of all types and sizes, including chain restaurants and industry partners, from the United States and more than 45 countries abroad. Retailers operate more than 3.6 million U.S. establishments that support one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.5 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities at home and abroad, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. www.nrf.com.