Partnerships in Action
Below are a few examples of our partnerships in action:
SUPIMA COTTON
The Supima Cotton Design Competition is a prestigious, nationwide contest for fashion design students at our nation’s leading design schools. The winner receives a $10,000 cash prize and promotion of their work on a national stage. When a Kent State University fashion student is selected as a finalist, faculty and alumni board members are able to attend the final showing during New York Fashion Week. Our New York City Fashion campus is also used at the preparation site for the final looks of the accompanying Supima fashion show.
COUNCIL OF FASHION DESIGNERS OF AMERICA (CFDA)
Kent State University School of Fashion is one of only 18 design schools selected as a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. As such, we are invited to attend the annual “Fashions Future Graduates Showcase”. We are also able to visit the CFDA offices and are invited as a school to participate in many aspects of their engaging programming.
BRAG
Several of our students have participated in the internship program with Black Retail Action Group (BRAG). We are in the process of establishing a chapter at the School of Fashion to further support students of color with scholarships, internships and networking opportunities within the industry.
FABSCRAP
We partner with FABSCRAP to make sure the excess fabric and scraps in our design studio are recycled, in order to cut down on the fashion industry’s textile waste. FABSCRAP is also a great resource for you to obtain upcycled fabrics for your design projects while studying in New York City.
GARMENT DISTRICT ALLIANCE
The New York City program is a member of the Garment District Alliance, a non-profit organization focused on the quality of life and economic vitality of Manhattan’s Garment District. Through our connection you will have exclusive access to local events and activities within the District.
NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY
We have a close relationship with the New York Film Academy (NYFA), a leading film and photography school. You’ll have the chance to work with innovative photography students and their instructors who are working fashion industry photographers.
RUNWAY OF DREAMS
We work with this non-profit organization working toward a future of inclusion, acceptance and opportunity in the fashion industry for people with disabilities. You get the chance to volunteer and network with industry professionals while showing your support for this important movement.
FASHION SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The directors of the Fashion Scholarship Fund attend our annual portfolio showcase. Representatives from this nationwide organization dedicated to the advancement of fashion education in America, are often featured speakers in our range of student program.
ANNUAL PORTFOLIO SHOWCASE
Each year, over 30 of our key industry partner companies attend the Kent State University Portfolio Showcase. During this two day event, a select group of graduating fashion merchandising and design students are invited to participate in showcasing their portfolios directly to companies and brands actively looking to hire entry-level candidates. Some of our students have been directly hired by companies in attendance. We’d love for your company to attend.