THE VF FOUNDATION X FSF COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROGRAM

The VF Foundation funded a scholarship program at the Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) to identify and support students enrolled in two-year community colleges who have aspirations to pursue careers in the fashion and fashion-adjacent industries. The scholarship program reflects the industry’s keen interest in expanding the pipeline of talented future employees, especially those from backgrounds underrepresented in these industries. Students in general areas applicable to the fashion industry (including marketing and business operations) are eligible.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Ten FSF COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOLARS will be selected for the program in Spring/Summer 2023. Each Scholar will be granted funds to complete a valuable 10-week pre-professional program in the Summer of 2023 specially designed for their needs and administered by the Fashion Scholarship Fund. There is no charge for any programming. Each FSF COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOLAR will receive a cash award of $5,000 (issued in two installments) contingent on program completion, as well as all travel costs (transportation, room and board) for any in-person opportunities.

The goal of the program is to offer students:
• An introduction to the industry’s sectors, range of career paths, and different job “disciplines” in the industry
• An opportunity to practice professional skills in an area of personal interest
• Mentors and a strong network of peers, professionals, and educators
• Eligibility for future FSF Scholarships

The FSF COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOLARS will not be selected through the existing FSF Scholarship Competition, which requires case study submissions from undergraduates at any of the FSF’s 70 member colleges and universities. Instead, they will be nominated by educators at five specially-selected FSF member colleges.
PROGRAMMING
FSF COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOLARS will be required to:
• Join a virtual orientation and introduction session with FSF staff and Alumni (May 2023)
• Participate in at least 3 virtual mentoring sessions with assigned industry mentors
• Watch or join at least 12 of 20 one-hour virtual educational webinars (live or on-demand) from May-August 2023, offered as part of the FSF Summer Scholar Series (Students will receive a Certificate of Completion after 12 hours.)
• Complete an optional summer project under the supervision of FSF staff
• Travel to and participate in three day group “job shadow” experience (in-person) at FSF partner companies in late July 2023 (travel expenses and hotel accommodations will be covered)

APPLICATION
Two to three potential Scholars will be nominated by FSF-affiliated educators at Community Colleges and invited to apply. The application will consist of:
1. A letter of recommendation from a Community College faculty member
2. Copy of college transcript through Fall 2023 term (or full high school transcript)
3. A short video of no more than two minutes in which applicants address these questions:
o Why are you interested in the fashion industry, and how would this program help you meet your goals?
o Is there anything about you and your personal journey that would help us understand what you would bring to the program?

ELIGIBILITY
All applicants must:
4. Have a high school diploma
5. Be currently enrolled in an accredited community college, pursuing a course of study leading to an Associates’ degree
6. Have potential for, and interest in, a career in the fashion industry (creative or business)
7. BIPOC students are strongly encouraged to apply

The deadline for application is MAY 15, 2023. Students will submit the three required documents (above in red) to Ksimone@fashionscholarshipfund.org

Ten (10) VF Foundation X FSF Community College Scholarship recipients will be announced on May 22nd, 2023.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Marie Colletta, Senior Director of Education Programs, mcolletta@fashionscholarshipfund.org

Katie Simone, Education Programs Assistant, Ksimone@fashionscholarshipfund.org