Shein, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising launch scholarship program

Global e-retailer Shein and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) have teamed up to launch a new scholarship program and curriculum for FIDM students.

As part of the partnership, dubbed the ‘Shein X Project Launchpad’, 12 students were selected to each receive a $40,000 scholarship provided by Shein, and to participate in a new course. Through the course, they will create a five-to-ten-piece collection that will be sold on Shein’s platform as part of the company’s designer incubator program, Shein X.

The 20-week curriculum is focused on market research and design development, as well as fit and production. Students were selected for the opportunity based on their academic performance, portfolio of work, resume, instructor recommendations and a short video submission detailing why they were applying for the program.    

“As its name suggests, Shein X Project Launchpad aims to launch these students into successful careers in the fashion industry,” said George Chiao, U.S. president of Shein. 

“By providing scholarships and access to Shein’s resources and customer network, we hope to remove some of the barriers aspiring designers typically face and provide these talented young people with the tools and support they need to help them achieve their dreams.”

The Shein X incubator program launched in January 2021 and has since expanded from seven designers to almost 3,000 designers globally, and has introduced more than 25,000 original creations. Looking ahead, the company is looking to onboard 500 more in the U.S. in 2023.

“We are very grateful for the generous scholarship opportunities Shein has brought our students to further their education. Through this partnership, the students will enhance their design talent and creative vision, and more fully understand the business side of fashion and how a product is made end-to-end,” said Barbara Bundy, FIDM vice president of education.