Gap and Harlem's Fashion Row Donates More Than $500k in Support of HBCU Fashion Programs
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Posted By: Kennedy Williams on June 29, 2021 A partnership between Gap Inc. and Harlem’s Fashion Row is strengthening educational opportunities for the next generation of Black fashion leaders. The ‘Closing the Gap’ initiative aims to provide a platform that empowers Black students to propel their studies and drive innovation within the fashion industry. Gap Inc. will also partner with ICON360 to provide mentorship and internship opportunities to students currently enrolled in fashion programs at HBCU programs. Earlier this week, the winners of the 'Closing the Gap' scholarships were announced via Harlem's Fashion Row press release. The 10 chosen HBCU fashion departments will be receiving financial awards from a pool of $510,000, making this the largest donation to HBCUs fashion programs by a major retailer. "It is a great honor for us to partner with a global leader in the fashion world to kick off the inaugural awards ceremony that will turn into a yearly event. We are coming together as one to not only address pipeline issues of diversity and inclusion in the industry but also to help give them tools and guidance the next generation needs to take the fashion industry to new heights," said Brandice Daniel, Founder and CEO of Harlem's Fashion Row. "When Harlem's Fashion Row started, we focused on the designers that were looking to present their collection to buyers and editors and quickly realized that to make a difference, we must educate and mentor the new talent entering the field. We look forward to extending this initiative and opportunity by welcoming all incoming professionals." North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central will each receive $100,000; Delaware State University, Howard University, Bowie State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Tennessee State will each receive $50,000, and University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Clark Atlanta University and Norfolk State University will each receive $20,000. "As a company rooted in being Inclusive, By Design, we are guided by the belief that business can, and should, be a force for good. This extends not just to our employees and our customers but to the communities we serve," said Sarah Holme, Executive Vice President of Product Design & Development at Old Navy and Executive Sponsor of the cross-brand creative community across Gap Inc. "I look forward to working with Harlem's Fashion Row to not only support the rich, storied history of HBCUs but to change our industry for the better through cultivating pipelines to careers in fashion for Black creative talent." If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Kennedy Williams
From Loganville, GA Spelman College class of 2020 Member Since July 2016 |
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