At FSF, access and equity are baked into everything we do. Our Community College Scholarship Program, now in its fifth year, continues to grow, expanding pathways for students historically left out of the fashion industry.
This summer, 32 students from ten community colleges were named 2025 FSF Community College Scholars. Each received a $5,000 scholarship and joined a packed schedule of career-building experiences: a three-day Fashion Industry Immersive Program in New York or California, ten weeks of professional development through our Summer Scholar Series, and a mentorship match with an FSF Alum working in their field of interest.
For many Scholars, the experience created a sense of momentum.
“I was already confident about going into fashion design,” said Trinity W. Rodriguez from El Camino College. “But this experience made the process feel attainable for me.”
CURATED ACCESS TO THE INDUSTRY
The immersive trips were designed to meet students where they are in their academic and career journeys. In New York, Scholars visited Levi Strauss & Co., Marquee Brands, PVH, Timberland, and the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Their West Coast peers explored the Ross and PacSun offices in Los Angeles, and wrapped the week with sessions at The Broad contemporary art museum and Vans HQ and Off the Wall Skatepark in Costa Mesa. Both the West Coast and East Coast groups benefited from visits to 24 Seven recruiting agency for preparedness sessions on the job hunt process.
“The FSF Immersive Experience opened my eyes to what’s possible. As a child of immigrants, this opportunity gave me optimism and confidence that there’s a place for me in fashion — and that my hard work will pay off.”
These moments went beyond the traditional campus visit or company tour. They offered Scholars the chance to ask questions directly to industry professionals and see how ideas turn into products, campaigns, and stores.
At PVH’s New York office, Scholars sat down with mentors and alumni during an afternoon of informal conversations, which created space for genuine connection.
“I enjoyed the relaxed format of the gathering,” Trinity said. “It gave us the chance to have one-on-one conversations, and I was able to ask questions more tailored to my interests.”
GROWING THE TALENT PIPELINE
FSF launched the Community College Initiative in 2020 with support from The VF Foundation and an inaugural class of just three Scholars. The 2025 cohort comprises 32 students, marking the most expansive year yet. Scholars represent a wide range of lived experiences, with 88% identifying as BIPOC, 63% eligible for Pell Grants, and 65% first in their families to attend college.
For many, this opportunity was about much more than career exposure.
“The companies we visited inspired me to follow my dreams and never give up,” said Daviana Chacon Dugarte from Hostos Community College. “Their stories and advice reinforced the importance of perseverance and passion in achieving one’s goals.”
This year’s scholarships were funded by three dedicated FSF partners:
VF Foundation x FSF Community College Scholarships
PVH Foundation x FSF Community College Scholarships
True Religion x FSF Community College Bridge Scholarships
How to Apply for the 2026 FSF Community College Scholarship Program
If you’re a student at one of FSF’s community college member schools, or you attend a community college with a fashion and/or business program, you can be considered for the 2026 FSF Community College Scholarship Program. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
Learn about the program.
Visit the FSF Community College Scholarship Program page to understand the program’s benefits, eligibility requirements, and what past Scholars have experienced.
Confirm your eligibility.
To qualify, you must:
Hold a high school diploma
Be currently enrolled in an accredited community college, pursuing a creative or business discipline leading to a two-year associate degree
Submit all materials required by the application process
Connect with your FSF faculty member.
Applications are by faculty nomination only. Reach out to your FSF faculty member early in the fall semester to express your interest and learn about your school’s internal nomination process. If you are interested in the Community College Scholarship Program and do not attend an FSF member school, please reach out to Marie Coletta, mcolletta@fashionscholarshipfund.org and Katie Simone, ksimone@fashionscholarshipfund.org for assistance.
Prepare your application materials.
You’ll need:
One letter of recommendation from a faculty member who can speak to your skills, potential, and commitment to a career in fashion or a fashion-adjacent industry.
Your transcripts (either your current college transcript through the most recent semester or your full high school transcript if applicable).
A short video (no more than two minutes) answering these questions:
Why are you interested in the fashion industry?
How would the FSF Community Colleges Scholarship program help you meet your career goals?
What should we know about you and your personal journey that would help us understand what you’d bring to the program?
A class assignment to showcase your creative or business talent. The assignment must be relevant to the fashion industry and may be submitted in one of the following formats:
Short essay (2–3 pages, double-spaced)
Visual presentation (4-8 slides using a program such as PowerPoint, Keynote, Canva, Google Slides, InDesign, etc.)
Portfolio (curated selection of your work with brief descriptions)
Faculty Review: It is strongly encouraged that a faculty member reviews your assignment prior to submission to the Fashion Scholarship Fund to ensure you are presenting your best work.
Submit your materials by the deadline.
All application materials must be submitted to your FSF faculty member, who will forward them to FSF by the December 31, 2025 deadline.
Stay informed.
Recipients will be announced by March 1, 2026. Selected Scholars will participate in the 2026 Spring/Summer program, including the Summer Industry Immersion Experience, FSF Summer Scholar Series, and alumni mentorship.
To confirm if your school is an FSF member or to clarify any part of the application process, contact ksimone@fashionscholarshipfund.org or mcolletta@fashionscholarshipfund.org.
West Coast 2025 Community College Scholars play “Guess the Retail” during their visit to Ross headquarters in LA. Image courtesy of Fashion Scholarship Fund.
Scholar Teresa Chumpitaz tries out Vans' high-tech foot scanner with Vans’ Senior Manager of Fit & Wear Testing, Mikey Klein, at the brand’s Costa Mesa HQ. Image courtesy of Fashion Scholarship Fund.
Scholars at Vans’ "Off the Wall" Skatepark. Image courtesy of Fashion Scholarship Fund.
Scholars meet with representatives from 24 Seven Talent in New York City to hone their interview skills and improve their resumes. Image courtesy of Fashion Scholarship Fund.
Scholars visit Timberland's NYC Flagship store. Image courtesy of Fashion Scholarship Fund.
Scholars visit the Levi’s showroom in New York City. Image courtesy of the Fashion Scholarship Fund.
