Twenty-two Recipients Will Receive Cash And Mentorship Opportunities from Gucci Changemakers
Gucci has revealed the 2021 class of Gucci Changemakers North America Scholars. Twenty-two recipients will receive up to $20,000 in addition to mentorship and virtual internship opportunities through Gucci America. The $1.5M Scholarship Program ensures a new generation of diverse young people will gain opportunities and education across the fashion industry.
Antoine Phillips, Vice President of Brand and Culture Engagement says:
We are honored to announce the selection of these talented and creative students from all backgrounds and regions in North America. They represent HBCUs, community colleges, fashion schools, and non-fashion schools alike. Their diverse points of views embody the future of not only fashion, but creative industries as a whole. We look forward to engaging with all of our scholars over the coming months ahead.
— Antoine Phillips, Vice President of Brand and Culture Engagement
The Gucci North America Changemakers Scholarship program was established in March 2019. It provides funds to undergraduate students passionate about careers in the fashion and creative industries, but with unmet financial needs. The program primarily focuses on students from diverse backgrounds who live or study in one of the 12 Gucci North America Changemakers cities (Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington DC) and/or plan to attend or currently attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). However, all students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply and be considered for an award. Over the last three months, Gucci enlisted the support of the North America Changemakers Council of community leaders and social change experts to make the final selection of the students for the scholarship program.
Over 450 students applied for the Scholarship funding and here is the list of the finalists:
● Aboubacar Barrie, Sophomore, Georgia Institute of Technology
● Akin White, Freshman, Norfolk State University
● Ar’Myiah Lee, Freshman, Parsons School of Design
● Beatrice Alisme, Sophomore, Miami Dade College
● Brianna Bryson, Freshman, Howard University
● Clayson Fletcher, Junior, Humber College
● Diana McCready, Junior, Bard College
● Dinasty Ly, Senior, Fashion Institute of Technology
● Elijah Huggins-English, Sophomore, Fashion Institute of Technology
● Jeffrey McCready, Sophomore, Rhode Island School of Design
● John Davillier, Freshman, University of Southern California
● Keith Herron, Junior, Fordham University
● Kevin Ngo, Freshman, City College of San Francisco
● Lacey Garza, Freshman Kingsborough Community College
● Matthew Williams, Sophomore, Kent State University
● Mikaela Mosley, Senior, Howard University
● Miles Richards, Sophomore, College for Creative Studies
● Quinten Clifford, Freshman, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
● Yetunde Sapp, Junior, Parsons School of Design
● Zahri Jackson, Senior, New York University
● Zuri Duarte, Junior, The University of California – Los Angeles
Additionally, Gucci has also chosen one recipient of the Gucci North America Changemakers x CFDA Scholars by Design program. This program was reimagined to support one woman (or a person who identifies as a female) of color who is starting their final year of a fashion design program at an accredited four-year undergraduate college or university. This scholarship is a $20,000 one-year award. The 2021 Gucci North America Changemakers x CFDA Scholars by Design is: D’on Lauren Edwards, Senior, Savannah College of Art and Design.
The students in the inaugural 2020 Changemakers class were able to use the funds to attend 14 different schools across North America where they are pursuing various degrees in fashion and the creative arts. When asked about the program, Miles Richards, a 2020 and 2021 Gucci Changemakers Scholar, said:
After being granted the opportunity to be one of the recipients of the Gucci Changemakers Scholars award, I found an unbelievable amount of stress taken off my shoulders. And without a shadow of a doubt, the program provided me with the creative freedom to express myself without the burden of tuition during my first year as an art major.
— Miles Richards, 2020 and 2021 Gucci Changemakers Scholar
As part of the Changemakers Program, Gucci America also offers mentorship opportunities. This year, all awardees will have the opportunity to participate in the Gucci Program for Scholars, a 6-week long virtual summer program that helps to educate students on the various career paths available within the fashion industry. The program includes fashion industry education, engagement with all departments across Gucci North America, Gucci corporate mentor assignment and skill building workshops.
The next round of applications for the Gucci North America Changemakers Scholarship Program will open in Fall 2021.
More information about the Gucci Changemakers Initiatives applications and eligibility requirements can be found on their website.
