FASHION SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Provides over $1.9 million annually in scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 to more than 160 students each year pursuing education and careers in fashion, including design, product development, merchandising, marketing, and business strategy, with funding supporting tuition, intern housing, study abroad, and other educational expenses.

Operates an annual Case Study Scholarship competition that challenges fashion students to address real industry issues through case studies, using a blind-judging process to ensure equitable evaluation, with preparation support including FSF University and after-hours coaching sessions.

Awards targeted $10,000 scholarships in partnership with specific companies and organizations—including Coach, Macy’s, PVH, SKIMS, Burlington, and AAFA-affiliated institutions—with criteria aligned to partner goals such as leathercraft, retail leadership, ethical and sustainable fashion, size inclusivity, public policy, and entrepreneurial innovation.

Hosts in-person and virtual immersive experiences including the Fashion Industry Immersion Experience in New York or Los Angeles, Summer Scholar Series, FSF University, and partner-specific programs with Nordstrom and Coach, offering case studies, master classes, and workforce preparedness training to scholars and applicants.

Expands access to fashion careers through the Community Colleges Initiative and partnerships with HBCUs and HSIs, awarding scholarships to associate degree students and providing tailored support such as mentorship, digital resources, and all-expense-paid industry immersion experiences.

Funds the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship, providing at least $10,000 annually to Black or African American undergraduate students in fashion, with 60 scholars selected annually starting in 2025, totaling 220 awards to date, as part of a strategic expansion to advance equity and inclusion in the fashion industry.

Places scholarship recipients in 8–10-week summer internships or full-time positions through direct collaboration with partner companies, supports access to job opportunities via recruiter-posted positions, and connects scholars to hiring managers through bi-annual Virtual Talent Acquisition Events and partner-led immersive programs.

Provides ongoing career development and networking opportunities through membership in the FSF Alumni Association, ensuring continued access to job placements, mentorship, and professional growth resources beyond the initial scholarship period.

Provides grant funding through the FSF Bridge Fund launched in April 2024 to remove financial barriers for scholars pursuing unpaid or low-paid internships and career opportunities, enabling broader access to professional experiences in the fashion industry.

Offers one-on-one mentorship with industry leaders, access to a network of 600+ mentors, career development workshops, master classes, and ongoing support through the FSF Mentor Program and Summer Scholar Series to prepare scholars, applicants, and alumni for internships and full-time roles in fashion.

Hosts the annual FSF Awards Gala in New York City with complimentary travel and accommodations, presents awards such as the $25,000 Chairman’s Award, recognizes the Class of 2026 cohort, and maintains a digital showcase featuring 160 scholarship recipients by discipline, school, and academic year.