Tory Burch is looking to the future of fashion – and the leadership that will shape it. To that end, Burch announced that she is teaming up with Parsons School of Design’s School of Fashion on a five-year multi-disciplinary partnership to promote and celebrate creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The partnership with span across various degree programs – including BFA Fashion Design, MFA Textiles, and AAS Marketing and Communications —which will engage with the Tory Burch brand “to explore innovative solutions to design, product development and marketing challenges facing the fashion industry,” according to a company statement. Students will be able to experience the Tory Burch ateliers, receive mentorship from the Tory Burch team, and work on special projects with the brand.

Burch herself and members of the team will also offer in-class speaking engagements, public lectures and real-life work experiences.

Burch made the announcement on Wednesday evening at her new boutique on Mercer Street, during an event to toast Parsons’ new Dean of the School of Fashion Ben Barry.

She also announced the Tory Burch Empowering Future Fashion Leaders Endowed Scholarship Fund at Parsons with a gift that will be matched to establish a $1,000,000 fund to provide financial aid to students.

“I am thrilled to be partnering with Parsons to help provide the next generation of creative talent with the resources, guidance and opportunities they need to grow and thrive in an industry that I am passionate about,” Burch said. “We are honored to work with these students—their energy, determination, and innovative spirit are incredibly inspiring.”

Barry added, “Tory’s purpose-driven approach to fashion business has created a new model for the industry and her designs, driven by deep research, have become iconic in narratives of American fashion. Tory is an inspiration to our students.”