PLC DETROIT X NIKE DESIGN MASTERCLASSES
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Posted By: Phyllis Caddell on June 03, 2024 Pensole Lewis College (PLC) Detroit, the ONLY design-focused Historically Black College and University (HBCU), has partnered with global sportswear leader Nike to launch an industry-certified education program called Future Sole I PLC powered by Nike. This groundbreaking partnership is a testament to Nike's Black Community Commitment, a $40 million investment over four years to support the Black community in the United States by championing social justice, education, and addressing racial inequality. Under the leadership of Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, the founder of PLC Detroit and former design director at Nike’s Jordan brand, this collaboration aims to level the playing field in design education for HBCU students and bring together HBCUs nationwide. Future Sole I PLC will serve as a platform for PLC Detroit to share its industry-approved curriculum and inspire other HBCUs interested in design. The core aim of Future Sole I PLC is to address the underrepresentation of Black designers in the professional product creation industry and create opportunities for aspiring designers from HBCUs. Through an immersive curriculum, students will have unparallel personal and professional development opportunities. The program comprises online and in-person masterclasses in apparel, color, materials, footwear, graphics, 3D design, and product marketing; students will have unparalleled opportunities to develop personally and professionally. Three PLC department chairs, all esteemed Nike alums, will lead these masterclasses, offering valuable mentorship and practical experience. "To be taught by former Nike design directors is invaluable,” said Edwards. “The program creates a real-time professional environment to develop skills and prepare students for successful design careers.” This partnership between Nike and PLC Detroit represents an exceptional milestone, as it is the first of its kind with any HBCU. It builds upon the ongoing collaboration established in 2018, which includes the Serena Williams Design Crew and the Converse All-Star Design Team—apprenticeship initiatives to nurture the next generation of diverse talent that develops footwear, apparel, and accessory designs from concept to creation in partnership with PLC Detroit. “Inclusivity and diversity have long been challenges in the design industry,” said Edwards. "In all the partnerships that PLC Detroit has solidified, Nike Inc.’s has been the most beneficial in providing internships, apprenticeships, and full-time employment to over 100 PLC Detroit alumni in the last 14 years." In 2008 while at Nike, Dr. Edwards introduced the Future Sole program, which gained over one million participants in four years. This track record of achievement underscores Future Sole I PLC’s transformative potential in empowering the next generation of design talent. Applications for Future Sole | PLC open on April 8, and students have until June 9 to apply. Students who have graduated from an HBCU in the past three years, from 2021 to the current semester, are eligible to apply. For more information about Future Sole I PLC powered by Nike and the application process, please visit www.plcdetroit.com. About PLC Detroit PLC Detroit is a leading institution dedicated to providing world-class education in design offering a comprehensive curriculum, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning experiences to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the design industry. PLC Detroit aims to inspire creativity, foster innovation, and promote diversity in design. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Phyllis Caddell
Publicist, PCPR Communications Member Since May 2024 |
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