Named Scholarships are bespoke programs created by the Fashion Scholarship Fund in partnership with brands, foundations, and individual donors who believe in investing in the next generation of fashion talent. Each program provides FSF Scholars with a $10,000 Scholarship, mentorship, and professional development, helping Scholars grow into thoughtful, capable leaders.
Named Scholarship Programs connect partners directly to Scholars whose interests reflect the partner’s values, such as sustainability, size inclusivity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. For Scholars, they provide access to industry leaders, networking opportunities, and hands-on career-building experiences.
In 2025, more than 100 Named Scholarships were made possible by FSF partners and supporters. Each Scholarship helps a student continue their education and begin their career in the fashion industry with purpose and confidence.
HOW NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS WORK
Students are considered for Named Scholarships when they participate in the FSF Case Study Competition. After the annual class of Scholars is selected, FSF works with partners to award Named Scholarships to students whose case studies, academic areas of focus, or personal goals align with the initiatives of each Named Scholarship partner.
This matching process helps establish meaningful impact for each partnership. For example, a partner who supports sustainable fashion might be connected with a Scholar whose case study involves circular design. Each Named Scholarship Program grows from a shared purpose.
Named Scholarships often include mentorship, networking, and internship opportunities in addition to the financial award. Every Scholar benefits from direct engagement with leaders who care deeply about their success.
“There’s nothing more powerful than standing in rooms with the people who once inspired you from afar.
The Fashion Scholarship Fund community believes in your potential and wants to see you thrive, but you must meet that belief with effort.”
NAMED SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Each year, the FSF partners with brands that reflect the diversity and creativity of the fashion industry to create meaningful learning experiences for Scholars. Through our Named Scholarship Programs, students gain access to mentorship and insight from the leaders shaping the future of fashion. Below are a few of the Named Scholarship Programs that supported our Class of 2025 Scholars.
SKIMS x FSF Scholarships
Six $10,000 scholarships were awarded to students interested in ethically and sustainably adaptive clothing, textile innovation, and size inclusivity. Over the summer, the SKIMS x FSF Scholars participated in a virtual internship program with various departments at SKIMS. The internship culminated with a week-long immersive trip to Los Angeles, where Scholars worked with their managers in person, shadowed department heads, met with various SKIMS team members, sat in on meetings, and learned more about the SKIMS design process. Each Scholar had the opportunity to complete and present a final project to a panel of leaders from SKIMS, highlighting their hard work over the summer.
“My experience as a SKIMS Scholar was a life-changing experience that gave me the tools to jumpstart my post-graduate career.
This was a dream opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute to a brand I truly admire. I am so grateful to the Fashion Scholarship Fund for the opportunity to work with the creative forces behind this iconic brand.
I could not say enough positive things about this experience and all of the other experiences the Fashion Scholarship Fund has allowed me to be a part of.”
Nordstrom x FSF Scholarships
Seven $10,000 scholarships were awarded to students focused on sustainability and responsible innovation. Recipients attended a two-day immersive at Nordstrom’s Seattle headquarters, where they had the opportunity to tour Nordstrom’s offices, learn from Nordstrom executives about the ins and outs of the business, network in person with their mentors, and explore the city.
“My trip to Seattle to the Nordstrom office not only gave me an inside perspective on the company but also reminded me of the value of staying curious, engaged, and inspired by the work happening in the industry.
I left feeling energized and grateful for the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside such an amazing group of peers.”
Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation x FSF Scholarship
A $10,000 scholarship was awarded to a student who submitted a top case study in business strategy, marketing, or merchandising. The recipient of the Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation x FSF Scholarship had the opportunity to participate in two, week-long internships at the Kurt Geiger offices in NYC and in London.
Eric Emanuel x FSF Scholarships
Five $10,000 scholarships were awarded to students with entrepreneurial ambition and cultural awareness. As part of the program, Scholars engaged in quarterly mentoring sessions with Eric Emanuel and had the opportunity to work together on a collaborative project for the Eric Emanuel brand.
Cactus Jack Design Ethos x FSF Scholarships
Three $10,000 scholarships were awarded to students who may have already launched their own brand or venture, or dream of doing so one day. Recipients of this named scholarship were granted the opportunity to engage with the Cactus Jack Foundation through other activations like visiting the state-of-the-art Cact.us Design Center in Houston.
2025 SKIMS x FSF Scholars, Grace Albright, Abigail Piontek, Kai Blunt and Kweku Andoh at SKIMS HQ in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Fashion Scholarship Fund
WHY NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS MATTER
Many FSF alumni describe their Named Scholarship as the moment everything clicked—their passions, their purpose, and their path forward. Alongside the core FSF programming that connects every Scholar to industry leaders and professional development, Named Scholars receive something more: immersive experiences, mentorship, and access to networks shaped by the partners who make these scholarships possible.
“Being a Tapestry Named Scholar was a huge honor and opened the door to many opportunities.
The weekend of FSF LIVE, I got to visit their New York headquarters and get lunch with my Kate Spade mentors, with whom I was able to develop a continuous relationship.
My admiration for Tapestry and its brand has grown tremendously after being their Named Scholarship recipient and I’m incredibly grateful for it!”
Through these partnerships, the Fashion Scholarship Fund continues to strengthen the bridge between education and industry, ensuring that every Scholar has the resources, mentorship, and confidence to thrive long after graduation.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
For Students:
All applicants to the annual FSF Case Study Competition are automatically considered for Named Scholarships.
For Partners and Donors:
Named Scholarship Programs are a direct way to invest in the future of fashion. FSF works with each partner to create a program that reflects shared priorities and supports the next generation of talent.
Learn more about how to participate or start a partnership at fashionscholarshipfund.org/named-scholarships-and-funds-2025.
