FUTURE SOLE PLC powered by NIKE 2.0: Unlocking Opportunities for HBCU Students in Design Excellence
|
Posted By: P C on April 15, 2025 PLC Detroit, in partnership with NIKE, is proud to announce FUTURE SOLE PLC powered by NIKE 2.0—an exclusive, industry-certified design program that now includes an online learning component. This addition unlocks opportunities for HBCU students nationwide to discover, develop, and empower their creative potential. The program provides direct access to design professionals and exposure to the design process, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and build transferable skills, preparing them for leadership across various industries. Led by Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, the founder of PLC Detroit and former design director at Nike’s Jordan brand, the collaboration intends to democratize design education for HBCU students and cultivate collaboration among HBCUs. Future Sole PLC powered by NIKE will continue to serve as a platform for PLC Detroit to continue to share its industry-approved curriculum and inspire other HBCU students interested in design. PLC department chairs, all of whom are esteemed Nike alumni, will lead classes offering valuable mentorship and practical experience. "To be taught by former Nike design directors is invaluable,” Edwards affirms. The program creates a real-time professional environment to develop skills and prepare students for successful design careers. “This is PLC Detroit’s learn by doing product creation. By adding an online learning component, we're able to reach even more aspiring designers and empower them to reach new heights." 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 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. Dr. Edwards’ track record of success, including the introduction of the Future Sole program during his tenure at Nike in 2008, further underscores the transformative potential of Future Sole in empowering the next generation of design talent. The 2025 FUTURE SOLE, PLC powered by NIKE 2.0 program will run as follows: Pre-Camp Online Course - May 12, 2025 - May 28, 2025; Training Camp in-person class - June 23, 2025 - July 25, 2025. This creates a pipeline of diverse, industry-ready talent, strengthening partnerships between HBCUs and global brands. Graduates will be placed in a talent pool of PLC-produced creatives, opening doors to future career opportunities. The application deadline is May 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Eligible participants must be current HBCU students or graduates within the past three years, with any level of Adobe Creative Suites knowledge and any studying major. To learn more and apply, visit www.plcdetroit.com/futuresole25. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
P C
Publicist, PCPR Communications Member Since May 2024 |
Comments
More From This Author
| HBCU 2026 Professor Summit: ICON360 x PLC DETROIT Host Fourth Annual Convening at the Nation’s Only Design-Focused HBCU |
| PLC DETROIT LAUNCHES RUTH E. CARTER MASTERCLASS by ADIDAS l ePLC; Enrollment Now Open for Global Creatives |
| Pensole Lewis College Collaborates with Shoes That Fit; Creates Custom Shoes for Teen with Rare Bone Growth Condition |
Latest News
 |
Promote the Vote Fund: Ensuring Every Voice Is Heard in Michigan 28 April 2026
Promote the Vote Fund, a Ford grantee, is a coalition of partner organizations leading these efforts. The organization works across the ideological spectrum to support voting rights for Michiganders ...more
Hija Chang • 84 Views • May 3rd, 2026 |
 |
Temple to open medical campus in Atlantic CityBoth Temple and the Katz School of Medicine are guided by the belief that education and healthcare open doors and transform communities, and that is exactly what we have accomplished in Pennsylvania,” ...more
Hija Chang • 92 Views • May 3rd, 2026 |
 |
Apartheid’s legacy and the rise of xenophobia in South Africa todayPhoto: An image showing a South African township street with closed small shops owned by African migrants, police presence in the background, and community members walking past with tense expressions. ...more
Joel Savage • 324 Views • April 30th, 2026 |
 |
James Artissen, Big Gipp & DJ Burn One - Just Another DayAcclaimed Grammy-Nominated singer-songwriter James Artissen teams up with Southern hip-hop rapper Big Gipp, and respected producer DJ Burn One for their latest release, “Just Another Day.” The record ...more
Lenell Johnson • 207 Views • April 28th, 2026 |
 |
PROPEL Center Launches Future of Tech Innovation Challenge to Spotlight HBCU Talent & Shape the Next Generation of AI LeadersPROPEL Center, the global HBCU technology and innovation hub committed to strengthening the future Black talent pipeline, announced the launch of the Future of Tech Innovation Challenge, a national co ...more
Crystal Willis • 260 Views • April 27th, 2026 |
Popular News
 |
North Carolina HBCU Unity DayShaw University - Elizabeth City State University - Johnson C. Smith University - Fayetteville State University - Livingstone College - North Carolina A&T State University - North Carolina Central Uni ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 108,210 Views • August 8th, 2016 |
