Two Ten Footwear Foundation is partnering with Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York’s college for design, fashion, art, communications and business, to provide scholarship opportunities for students and professionals seeking an education leading to a career in footwear. The centerpiece of the new partnership is the Two Ten FIT Sam and Libby Edelman Scholarship. Endowed through Two Ten Footwear Foundation and specific to students entering FIT in pursuit of a career in the footwear industry, the scholarship will include an internship at Sam Edelman, a division of Caleres, with the opportunity for hands-on, practical experience in multiple facets of the business.
“In celebration of our 40 years in fashion, Libby and I are proud to support the next generation of footwear industry leaders with the Two Ten FIT Sam and Libby Edelman Scholarship,” states Sam Edelman. “We are honored to partner with Two Ten and FIT to give back to our community in such a meaningful way.”
Two Ten and FIT will also collaborate on scholarships for focused areas of certification through the college’s Center for Continuing Professional Studies (CCPS). Two Ten will provide a total fund of $25,000 per academic year beginning in September 2019, which will be allocated to passionate and motivated applicants demonstrating financial need. The funds will be distributed until they are depleted for the school year, then the cycle will repeat itself. Included in the offerings are courses in Business Enterprise, Entrepreneurship and Ethical Fashion, in addition to more specific offerings including sneaker, athletic and sustainable design courses. CCPS is central to FIT’s Workforce of the Future initiative which was established to develop courses at the forefront of industry innovation, providing emerging technology skills necessary to succeed in the future.
“Like the visionaries who established FIT nearly 75 years ago, Sam and Libby Edelman understand the vital link between education and the future of their industry,” says Dr. Joyce F. Brown, president of FIT. “Thanks to the thoughtfully designed scholarship program they have established with Two Ten, careers in all aspects of the footwear industry will be possible for countless talented and deserving students. We are deeply grateful to them.”
“We have one goal in mind—to invest in the future of the U.S. footwear industry by partnering with Fashion Institute of Technology,” says Neal Newman, president of Two Ten. “Our scholarship funds, along with the incredible legacy of Sam & Libby Edelman, will help spark great designers, creative entrepreneurs, ethical business leaders and smart innovators for our industry. Our FIT partnership represents a massive breakthrough and has a long bright future ahead.”
