NCCU US' textiles programme secures $100K grant from Gap, Icon 360

The grant will also assist to build a relationship with Harlem’s Fashion Row and The GAP to involve students in experiential learning.

NCCU is part of the Closing the Gap initiative, which provides financial support to 10 fashion programmes at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to strengthen educational opportunities for the next generation of African American fashion leaders and provide a platform engaging African American fashion students.

“The distinguished Icon 360 x The GAP award will impact our department tremendously,” said Darlene M Eberhardt-Burke, PhD, interim chair of the Textiles and Apparel Program. “This award will directly influence our current and future students, unlocking infinite potential and opportunity for generations to come.”

The funding announcement comes off the heels of the programme’s annual Fashion Design Competition. The competition received support from textile companies Spoonflower and Implus that provided students with materials for their designs, including custom cotton fabrics and shoestring. Additional financial support from Cotton Inc provided prizes for students awarded first-, second- and third-place honours in the competition’s new ‘Best of Cotton’ category.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)