The YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund seeks to identify and support emerging leadership for the industry. Since being selected as a YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund school two years ago, the University of Delaware has had more winners than any other university in this prestigious national competition.
Thirteen students over the past two years have won scholarships totally $65,000 by responding to case studies designed and judged by top industry executives. "The fact that UD has the highest number of winners each year speaks to the quality of our program in both apparel design and fashion merchandising," said Marsha Dickson, chair of the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies.
Student winners also receive an executive mentor, an internship in the industry, and multiple opportunities to network with key executives and CEOs. The University of Delaware is one of over 35 prestigious schools who participate in the program, including Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and The Fashion Institute of Technology.
The seven students winning awards in 2012 received them at a gala event held on Jan. 10 at the historic Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. The keynote speaker was Macy's chief merchandising officer, Jeff Genette, and Jason Wu received the Future of Fashion Award. Wu is the young designer who designed First Lady Michelle Obama's inaugural gown.
"Meeting other award winners and speaking to leaders in the fashion industry were amazing experiences that I will take with me throughout the rest of my career. The event was inspirational, and I look forward to working hard and applying again next year," said Emma Sidoriak, an apparel design major and Honors Program student.
Sabriya Jefferson, a UD fashion merchandising major, said, "I am extremely honored to receive the FSF award. Being recognized by such an established organization in the industry, and given the opportunity to learn from an executive mentor, confirms to me that I have made the right choice of pursuing a career in fashion."
About the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund
The YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund is a national non-profit association consisting of influential members of the fashion community, dedicated to promoting education of the fashion arts and business by granting scholarships to talented students and facilitating internships, mentorships and career programs. FSF's goal is to advance the fashion industry by encouraging Gifted and enterprising young people to pursue careers in design, merchandising, retailing and business so the industry