Students in the Merchandising, Textiles and Design (MTD) program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff have made great strides in their education thanks to a $20,000 grant from Gap Inc. and Harlem’s Fashion Row. Her Dr. Jane Opiri, an assistant professor in the MTD program, said: , Said. The award is part of the annual “Closing the Gap” initiative, in which the historically black girl gives more than $500,000 to fashion programs at nine colleges and universities.
“This grant was a game changer for our program,” Dr. Opiri said. “Three students were given scholarships, fabrics, textiles, he provided funds for the purchase of teaching materials such as kits, sewing and finishing tools for lab classes, and for faculty to assist in teaching.” Offered a subscription to an Adobe product.”
Yunru Shen, an instructor in the MTD program, said the grant allowed him to purchase a fabric swatch kit, which helped bring textile research to life for his students. Additionally, the design tools and fabrics purchased through the grant help students better understand the design process and finished product, and provide valuable hands-on experience.
Noah Thomas, senior MTD student, said: Now we know what different fabrics are used for, when they should be used, where they came from and how they were manufactured. “
Ciniya McCray, a third-year MTD student, said the Swatch Kit played an important role in her education.
“Thanks to the funding the textile and apparel classes received, we can go to a fabric store and learn about fabrics and their materials and uses,” she said. I am speaking on behalf of my class when I say that I had no knowledge of fabrics today. It’s a lot easier and less of a problem.”
Airen Cameroon is an MTD senior and one of the scholarship recipients. He said the Closing the Gap grant allowed him to stay creative and helped him build a portfolio in the fashion industry. Griffith and Britney Eskridge.
Dr. Jane Opiri said MTD faculty and students recently held a fashion and wearable art exhibition to recognize the student achievements achieved thanks to the grant. The event brought together faculty, staff and students from across the UAPB campus. At the brunch, students discussed their design inspiration and process and showcased the products they designed throughout the school year.
Opiri said he is grateful to Gap and Harlem’s Fashion Row for helping students realize their academic dreams.
Shen said: “Bridging the gap” made it possible. “
Founded in 2021, the Closing the Gap initiative aims to empower the next generation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) fashion innovators by enhancing educational opportunities.
“Empowering the next generation of black fashion leaders is a responsibility not only to our customers and communities, who expect Gap Inc. to do the right thing, but also to an industry that needs these critical voices. said Virja Johnson. His head of customer and community engagement and enablement at Gap Inc. said in a statement: “We are honored and proud to continue our partnership with Fashion Row of Harlem to nurture the incredible talent found within our HBCU and unlock their limitless potential.”
UAPB’s merchandising, textiles and design programs are delivered through the UAPB Department of Human Sciences. This program teaches students the fundamentals of textiles, apparel design and merchandising/retail. We also offer fashion internships and show/exhibition opportunities to help students gain hands-on experience in fashion during their time at university. Please contact Dr. Doze Y. Butler at uapb.edu or Shen at sheny@uapb.edu.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff recognizes all extensions and We offer research programs and services. Another legally protected status is Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
