Footwear creators scholarship
People aged 21 and over who have a passion for creating and developing footwear, materials, soles, and machinery are welcome to apply to the first edition of The Footwear Creators Scholarship to win the participation in a sneaker creation workshop at the PLC in Detroit.
Applications are now closed for students
Applications are now closed for educators
An opportunity by
What is the Footwear Creators Scholarship?
The Footwear Creators Scholarship program brings together two of the most recognized footwear training academies in the industry, Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design and Arsutoria School, to provide development and manufacturing training to aspiring footwear designers and educators.
We are looking for 5 students and 5 faculty or staff technicians to participate, at no cost (workshop, accommodations and lunch included) in a sneaker creation workshop at the PLC in Detroit.
The program is open to college-aged students, as well as footwear & product design education professionals, and will offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the design and construction of a sneaker prototype.
The Scholarship will award up to five students and five educators with funding to cover costs of tuition, materials and accommodations; participants are responsible for travel and transportation needs.
Are you a good fit for this opportunity?
Students
- above 21+ years of age
- enormous curiosity for footwear constructions, making and functionality
- love for footwear, materials, soles, footwear machinery
Educators
- actively teaching product development
- materiality life-learners
- seeking growth & enhancement of footwear making into their course content
- special consideration for faculty who are simultaneously mentoring student applicants for this scholarship
What do you need to apply?
We believe that creativity is not just a skill but a way of life, and we are excited to see how you express your creativity through your work.
In that spirit, we invite you to share examples of objects you have created that showcase your talent and imagination. Whether it’s shoes, furniture, a craft, or a DIY project, we want to see how you have brought your ideas to life. Capture your creations, and let us marvel at your ingenuity! Your portfolio will be an important part of your application and help us better understand your making skills and potential.
21+
Must be 21 years or older
3/5 creations
Upload 3-5 pictures of your handcrafted projects
CV/Resume
Submit your CV/Resume or letter of reccomendation
Video introduction
Upload a 3min video showcasing your passion for product development, your ability to transform materials and your creative process.
Student submissions access is from April 1st– May 7th.
Educators nominated will have submission access from May 12th – May 31st
What's up for grabs?
5 students and 5 faculty or staff technicians will participate, at no cost (workshop, accommodation and lunch included), in a sneaker creation workshop at the PLC in Detroit.
Topics of the training include, but are not limited to:
- pattern making
- sample making with the assistance of a team of PLC | Arsutoria
The PLC|Arsutoria Footwear Creation Studio by Foot Locker will serve as the workshop space for the scholarship program. The center will be equipped with the latest manufacturing machinery, materials and tools, providing awardees the opportunity to learn from experienced industry professionals and create a sneaker prototype of their own.
Who will review the applications?
The committee review will be through 1 FDRA representee, 1 PLC representee and 1 Arsutoria representee.
The evaluation will be based on:
- three-minute video from the student to explain why he/she is a footwear “product maniac”
- recommendation letter from a faculty or staff technician of the school
- interviews with the board of judges
The awardee decisions announcement will be on
Friday June 2nd, 2023.
D'Wayne Edwards
Founder, PLC Detroit
Matteo Pasca
Managing Director, Arsutoria School
Matt Priest
President and CEO, FDRA
Milestones of this opportunity
Tuesday, April 4th 2023
Press release, student application opening
Sunday, May 7th 2023
Deadline to submit student's application
Monday, May 12th 2023
Applications will open for educators
Wednesday, May 31st 2023
Deadline to submit educators application
Friday, June 9th 2023
Notices of awards for Students
Friday, June 14th 2023
Notices of awards for Educators
Friday, June 16th 2023
Awardee acceptance confirmation
Friday, June 19th 2023
Awardee confirmation of accommodations
July 24th - July 27th 2023
Detroit Workshop dates