The CFDA and Veronica Beard are proud to announce the CFDA x Veronica Beard Creative Futures Scholarship based around the shared commitment to supporting the education and growth of emerging fashion designers with a focus on supporting inclusivity, fostering creativity, and celebrating design excellence.

The program will empower four undergraduate juniors in a fashion design or textiles program at an American college or university. Finalists will be selected in four design categories: denim, knits & sweaters, soft wovens, and tailoring. Three finalists will be chosen for each category and compete in a design challenge judged by Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard. One winner from each category will be awarded a $50,000 scholarship to support their education and professional growth.

In addition to the scholarship, the recipients will take part in a paid summer internship at Veronica Beard’s New York City corporate headquarters. This experience will allow the talent to work closely with the brand’s design team and cross-functional partners in their respective design categories. The current estimated hourly rate for the paid internship is $16.50 USD. The position is full-time, 4 days per week.

“We are so excited about the opportunity to mentor and inspire the next generation of designer talent. We also fully expect that we’ll be the ones inspired at the end of the day,” Veronica Miele Beard said.

“Access and exposure are key, especially so early in these students’ careers. We are so thrilled to be partnering with the CFDA and share their commitment to supporting the fashion designers of tomorrow,” Veronica Swanson Beard said.

“The CFDA is proud to have Veronica Beard as part of our community of members and this exciting new scholarship furthers our longstanding commitment to nurturing the design creatives of tomorrow and creating opportunities for the future of American fashion,” Steven Kolb, CFDA CEO, said. “This year, we dedicate all our scholarships in honor Elsa Klensch, the pioneering journalist and two-time decorated CFDA Fashion Awards recipient, who generously supported the CFDA’s commitment to education through her estate.”

Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard, sisters-in-law married to brothers, cofounded Veronica Beard in 2010. With two perspectives and one vision, the Veronicas have created a collection of cool classics that speak to today’s multifaceted, multitasking woman. The Veronicas are big believers in paying it forward and, since 2015, have teamed up with over 650 organizations, donating more than $6.3 million to causes they care about.

Applications for the inaugural CFDA x Veronica Beard Creative Futures Scholarship are now open and will close on Friday, March 14 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Students interested in applying can submit their application online here.

Additionally, we invite all potential applicants to join a virtual information session on Thursday, February 6 at 1:00 p.m. EST hosted by CFDA and Veronica Beard. Register for the session here.