The CFDA and Coach Foundation partnered to launch the Coach Dream It Real x CFDA Design Scholarship, which is dedicated to supporting under-resourced students from underrepresented backgrounds studying fashion design.

“I know firsthand how transformative an education can be in helping young designers nurture their voice and find community,” said Coach Creative Director Stuart Vevers. “I am honored today to recognize six incredibly inspiring students whose passion and creativity embody the future of fashion.”

Students whose portfolio work demonstrated potential and interest to use their design voice to advocate, advance, and transform fashion are supported by the award. Each student receives $25,000 in scholarship funding.

The first recipients are: Hannah Harris, The Savannah College of Art and Design; Iyomi Ho Ken, School of the Art Institute of Chicago; Charlie Kenney, Drexel University; Esther Park, Rhode Island School of Design; Junhyeong Park, Fashion Institute of Technology, and Firas Zedan, Parsons School of Design.

“In partnering with the Coach Foundation on the Coach Dream It Real x CFDA Design Scholarship Award, we are able to further strengthen our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and nurturing the next generation of fashion talent, including aspiring designers from underserved communities,” said CFDA CEO Steven Kolb. “Through this award, we genuinely hope to make many fashion dreams become real.”

Coach CEO Todd Kahn said, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the CFDA as part of our latest initiative in our Dream It Real program. Together we share a commitment to support equity, inclusion and education, and we are proud to help the next generation of designers pursue their dreams.”