PLC DETROIT LAUNCHES ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORM, ePLC, WITH EXCLUSIVE HBCU PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NIKE, FUTURE SOLE
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Posted By: P C on March 04, 2026 FUTURE SOLE, PLC POWERED BY NIKE 3.0: DISCOVERING HBCU TALENT & DEVELOPING DESIGN EXCELLENCE PLC Detroit, Michigan's only HBCU and the nation’s only design-focused HBCU has expanded their education offerings in partnership with online portal eHBCU.edu to create ePLC, an online learning platform to expand access to education. The first program offered on this platform is FREE and online exclusively for HBCU students nationwide in partnership with NIKE, Inc., called FUTURE SOLE PLC powered by NIKE 3.0—an industry-certified online design program created to uncover, nurture, and empower the next generation of design talent. This initiative provides a comprehensive learning experience platform that unlocks opportunities for HBCU students nationwide to discover, develop, and enhance their creative potential, emphasizing the foundational principles of concept development, design, and critical thinking. The program, specifically tailored for currently enrolled HBCU students and recent graduates, will provide structured training that reflects real-world industry pathways. Participants will engage in a competitive design process that prepares them to showcase their work to leading industry representatives through a final project review in Detroit at PLC Detroit. Led by Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, the president 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 nationwide. Future Sole|PLC powered by NIKE 3.0 will continue to serve as a platform for PLC Detroit to continue to share its industry-approved curriculum and inspire other HBCU students nationwide interested in design. Three PLC Detroit department chairs, all of whom are esteemed Nike and Jordan Brand alumni, will lead classes offering valuable mentorship and practical experience. "To be taught by former Nike and Jordan Brand design directors is an invaluable gift for any aspiring designer, states Edwards. “The ability to receive first-hand guidance from over 100 years of industry experience at a high-level is very rare. Edwards affirms that the program creates a real-time professional learning environment, and guidance, both personally and professionally to develop skills needed for successful design careers. “This is PLC Detroit’s learn by doing product creation process. “By adding an online learning component, we're able to reach even more aspiring designers and empower them to reach new heights." Throughout their participation, students will have the chance to compete for several prestigious opportunities, including the Game Day Experience at PLC Detroit. This one-week project concept development experience includes VIP access to the 2026 national Black Footwear Forum (BFF) entry and events. Selected students will receive comprehensive support covering flight, hotel, transportation, and food to ensure a seamless experience. Last year's participants had transformative experiences that profoundly impacted their professional and personal growth. Many shared insights into how the program not only enhanced their skills but also built a sense of community among aspiring designers. One student expressed, "My experience during the class not only challenged me creatively, but professionally and personally. Having the ability to experience an environment like PLC with dozens of others who are like me made me feel a newer and exciting confidence in design and myself." — J'Kayla Cameron, North Carolina A&T State University. Building on the sentiment shared by J'Kayla, Brandon Jones from Delaware State University remarked, "The program pushed my creativity, sharpened my marketing skills, and allowed me to collaborate with talented peers from diverse backgrounds who have now become lifelong family." LaCellia Pruit from Alabama A&M University echoed this enthusiasm, saying, "Future Sole was a game changer! I learned to design consumer-driven color palettes alongside top-tier mentors in the color and material space, while also building real connections with designers from all over the country." Finally, Jonae Sandolph from Prairie View A&M University summed up the experience by stating, "This was a very challenging, eye-opening, and life-changing experience. With the support of the staff, instructors, mentors, and more, it has helped me become not only a better designer, but a better person than I was before." Key Program Objectives: • Talent Development: Discover, nurture, and empower HBCU creative talent. • Industry Exposure: Provide firsthand experience with industry professionals and authentic design processes. • Skill Building: Develop foundational product design skills alongside critical thinking and presentation techniques. Goals of the Program: • Equip participants with essential knowledge and industry-aligned skills in product design. • Foster professional growth and enhance industry awareness. • Position students within a PLC Detroit-curated talent pool with visibility to leading industry representatives. Program Details: • Format: Online • Application Period: NOW – April 12, 2026 • Program Start Date: April 27, 2026 *** Eligible HBCU students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply for this transformative program and take a significant step toward shaping their future in the product and creative industries. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.plcdetroit.com/futuresole26/. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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P C
Publicist, PCPR Communications Member Since May 2024 |
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