Pensole Lewis College Partnering with Wolverine Worldwide Brands to Deliver Product Design Masterclass
Calling all aspiring fashion designers! If you love fashion and want to gain experience in the industry, this upcoming program may be an excellent fit for you. Pensole Lewis College, the first and only HBCU in Michigan, recently announced a new partnership with Wolverine Worlwide (WWW) fashion brands to deliver a masterclass program.
Pensole Lewis College (PLC) of Business & Design is collaborating with WWW to facilitate a five-week in-person masterclass for Black and Brown students interested in pursuing a career in the fashion industry - particularly for students interested in footwear design, apparel design, color and materials design, and product marketing.
WWW Brands comprise of some of the largest well-known brands, such as Keds, Merrell, Saucony, Sperry, and Wolverine.
Pensole Lewis College Classroom
The masterclass program, which runs from June 13th-July 15th, 2022, will pay for each selected students’ tuition and provide housing. However, students must pay for their flight fees, transportation, and dining. Students will get coursework from PLC’s departments of Footwear Design, Apparel Design, MLab Color & Material Design, and Product Marketing, which is taught with a learn-by-doing method.
PLC President Dr. D’Wayne Edwards made the following statement on the program in a press release:
“This masterclass was developed for Black and Brown students to help them become robust designers with knowledge of the footwear and retail industry. Those selected will be introduced to Wolverine Worldwide, providing top students with internship opportunities that allow them to gain an intimate knowledge of their brands, consumers, and cultures.”
The program aims to deliver an experience similar to an apprenticeship rather than a traditional class. Masterclass students will group into design teams to work from briefs created by PLC and WWW brands. In addition to the coursework, the masterclass students will develop skills in time management, professionalism, and leadership.
The program is open to U.S. and international students. You can visit the link here to apply for this summer’s masterclass. Eligible students must be 18 and older. Applications close on April 17, 2022.