Ten talented students from the Colorado State University Department of Design and Merchandising were awarded $5,000 scholarships and a free trip to New York City from the Fashion Scholarship Fund in January. This is the third year CSU finalists have gone to New York City.
The Fashion Scholarship Fund is a nonprofit organization that seeks to create career opportunities for the fashion community by encouraging gifted and enterprising people to pursue careers in design, merchandising, retailing and business.
The winners of the scholarships prepared case studies for the FSF contest. The case studies usually are set by what is currently trending in the industry, and every student has options depending on whether they study design and product development, merchandising or technology and analytics.
“Students complete the scenario of their chosen case study, with advising from faculty mentors, and once finalized, they are submitted to FSF,” said Kevin Kissell, a senior instructor in the department. “FSF gives it to a pool of industry professionals who read over all submissions and rank them to select the best student work. Our students are being critiqued and judged by people who are currently working in the industry.”
Real-world experience
About 30 CSU students applied for the scholarship this year, and 10 students were selected. CSU has the fifth-highest selection rate of students of the 60 participating universities across the country. The 10 students spent three days in New York City networking, attending workshops and visiting places within the fashion industry.
Design and merchandising sophomore Jemma Jackman had never been to New York.
“This is my first time winning this scholarship,” she said. “It was so amazing to visit New York and hear from industry professionals. I was able to meet many people from all over the world who share the same passions and interests as me.”
Students get to meet people in the fashion industry and are assigned mentors from places such as Calvin Klein and Tory Burch.
“Mentors guide students through the education process,” said Kissell. “They help students find internships and jobs throughout the industry.”
Red carpet gala
The foundation hosts a red carpet gala and award show. Attendees in the audience this year included Martha Stewart, who received a lifetime achievement award, and Ryan Seacrest, who was awarded the style icon award. Noted Fashion industry pioneer Fern Mallis, the founder of New York Fashion Week, was also present.
“I’m very grateful for this experience,” said Jackman. “It’s been the biggest moment of my college career, and one that I will never forget.”
The Department of Design and Merchandising is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
