Fashion After School- SEW-N-KNOW

The Fashion After-School Program aims to provide a venue for young students to learn about fashion design and merchandising.  GWFCC and DCFF work to implement  school-based programs in public and undergraduate schools, and community and recreation centers with GWFCC Members.

See photos here.

For more than 12 years, the Sew-n-Know program has served over 150 disadvantaged youth annually throughout the District of Columbia. Sewing Opportunities Never Ending (SONE), the organization that runs the Sew-n-Know program in partnership with GWFCC and DCFF, strives to change the nature of economic conditions for disadvantaged and minority individuals through the establishment of community based tutoring, training, and skills-development programs. The Sew-n-Know program has introduced hundreds of District youth to the art, science, and business of sewing and the fashion industry, teaching them skills they have used to design and sell their own apparel items. The program has operated from 10 different centers within DC Parks and Recreation.

In 2008, the Sew-n-Know program accomplished an important step toward realizing its long-term vision. With technical support from GWFCC and a grant from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, Sew-n-Know was able to expand to an additional site, Turkey Thicket Recreation Center in Ward 5. This after school program is designed to help youth ages 7-17 build self-confidence, explore their own creativity, and learn entrepreneurial skills. Participants engage in hands-on creative projects that teach them how to sew, produce a marketable item, build a modeling portfolio, and promote their skills. Sew-n-Know is currently housed at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center in Ward 8.

The Sew-n-Know program is directed by Ms. Janice Rankins, an individual who has not only dedicated her life to the art of fashion and costume design, but also demonstrated her commitment to fostering these talents in the District’s youth. Ms. Rankins has been immersed in the fashion industry for over 30 years. She has worked in the wardrobe department of several Hollywood studios and made clothes for television shows such as "Good Times," "Gimme a Break" and "Room 222." In 1994, she moved to the District of Columbia and began designing clothing for select clientele before launching Sew-n-Know.

DC Camp Runway

In 2009, GWFCC partnered with Sew-N-Know (S.O.N.E.), West Potomac Academy of Fashion Design and DC Threads staff, DC Department of Parks and Recreation and GWFCC members to launch DC Camp Runway, a summer work training program that will expose youth to the technical skills, work environment, and professional opportunities of the fashion industry. This program will serve youth ages 14-18 who are currently participating in the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) Passport to Work program.

DC Camp Runway is designed to provide youth with an opportunity to:

• Learn and understand fashion theory and fashion history
• Develop basic competency in beginning fashion illustration
• Develop basic competency in fashion/garment construction
• Learn the “ins and outs” of the fashion industry
• Learn how to produce an industry-level fashion show
• Be exposed to the many fashion and business related careers
• Walk away with a tangible beginning fashion portfolio
• Enhance their personal presentation skills by participating in camp presentations and mock interviews
• Enhance their entrepreneurial, math and financial education skills by engaging in real life business scenarios

With assistance from industry professionals, GWFCC partnered with highly skilled sewing and fashion educators, business and finance trainers, fashion industry professionals, retailers, local arts and entertainment organizations, and others to provide a multifaceted education and employment experience. Through project-based learning, youth will learn to design and construct garments, develop business plans and marketing strategies, plan fashion events and sales, learn about the career paths of fashion industry professionals, and participate in mock job searches and interviews. In summer of 2010, GWFCC hopes to offer this successful program again to the District’s youth.

Fashion School/Academy

Fashion Academy will be a 2-credit program for students who want to major in fashion design. This academy will prepare students with portfolio building in preparation of a higher-learning degree and career in fashion.

Fashion University Consortium

Fashion University Consortium is an advisory group of fashion university educators of the Greater Washington area comprised of representatives from University of District of Columbia, Art Institute of Washington DC, Marymount University, Howard University and Corcoran School of Design.
This group is to keep the pulse of business, technology and the ever-changing trends of fashion industry in the fashion degree programs on college campuses, therefore, the students are prepared to transition from college to the workforce. The Consortium will make recommendations and submit reports to the Chair of each degree program.

Project FUNDway

The Project FUNDway scholarship program was established in 2009 by GWFCC education and training team to assist young men and women for outstanding academic achievement and commitment to the practice of Fashion Design. Scholarships are available for men and women who plan to pursue academic and career goals within the fashion industry. The student must show academic promise, a strong interest in fashion design or marketing and demonstrate financial need. Verification of financial need is required. It’s a runway competition to benefit education through design.

WHAT YOU GET

• 1st place scholarship is up to $5,000. There will be a second & third place award that will allow students to attend the school of your choice.  (Scholarships can be used for tuition, fees, books, and most supplies)
• Scholarship recipients will receive internship with reputable DC based design company and private portfolio consultation
• Video portfolio/documentary by reputible media company
  
• Free one year membership to GWFCC
• Press Acknowledgment

Application postmark deadline is Wednesday, August 25, 2010.

For complete eligibility information and to download application, please click here or contact Maggy Francois via email at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

DC Threads

DC Threads Sewing lounge is a free program sponsored by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation. It is held on the second Saturday of every month at the North Michigan Recreation Center and provides an opportunity for anyone interested in sewing—from beginners to experts—to share sewing tips, learn new techniques, and even work on projects together with sewing machines available on site.

Whether you are looking for sewing classes in Washington, DC, want to know where the local fabric stores are, need some new project ideas, or just want to connect with others who share your interests, DC Threads can be a useful resource. For more information, visit www.dcthreads.org.

For more information please contact Education & Training via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .