"Post-Modern" Scholarship Fund FAQs

 
 

In 2020, Virgil Abloh announced that with the support of his partners evian, Farfetch, Louis, Vuitton, New Guards Group, and Nike he had committed $1+ million to support scholarships and career opportunities for Black students through the Virgil Abloh™️ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund, which will be managed in partnership with the Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF), the foremost fashion-oriented education and workforce development nonprofit in the U.S. The FSF annual scholarship competition awards scholarships on a merit basis to undergraduate students who successfully complete the FSF case study competition.  The FSF also provides scholars with coveted internship and career opportunities, mentorships, professional development events, networking, and access to the industry’s most influential leaders and companies. The first year’s class of twenty “Post-Modern” Scholars was announced in January 2021.

What is the mission of the Virgil Abloh™️ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund?

The mission of the Fund is to foster equity and inclusion within the fashion industry by providing scholarships to students of academic promise of Black, African-American, or African descent.  

Why is the name of the scholarship “Post-Modern”?

Virgil Abloh named the scholarship fund “Post Modern” to represent that recipients will not only receive funds but will also be given access to vital career support services and mentoring.

Who are Virgil Abloh’s partners in the “Post Modern” Scholarship Fund?

Virgil Abloh’s partners who currently support the scholarship are evian, Farfetch, Louis Vuitton, New Guards Group and Nike with more partners to be announced in the future as the Fund continues to work for long-term change.

Who is eligible to compete for the Virgil Abloh™️ “Post-Modern” Scholarship?

Students of Black, African-American, or African descent currently enrolled at FSF Member Schools.

What are the eligibility requirements of the “Post-Modern” Scholarship?

  • Minimum overall G.P.A. of 3.20

  • Full-time Juniors enrolled at FSF Member Schools

  • Interest to pursue a career in the fashion industry

Will more schools be added to the Virgil Abloh™️ “Post-Modern” Scholarship?

Yes. In 2021 the Fashion Scholarship Fund broadened the number of member schools to add more colleges and universities including several additional HBCUs in addition to the 60+ colleges and universities already in the program.

How do I apply for the “Post-Modern” Scholarship?

  • Applicants apply through the Fashion Scholarship Fund’s Case Study Competition.

  • The FSF Case Study Competition is only offered at FSF Member Schools. The updated list of Member Schools can be found here.

  • The next FSF Competition will open in April 2022.  The deadline to submit a completed case study is mid-October.

  • For more details about this year’s program, please contact the designated FSF Educator at an FSF Member School.

When will the announcement be made of the “Post-Modern” Scholarship winners?

The recipients of the Virgil Abloh™️ “Post-Modern” Scholarships are announced in December of each year.  The FSF Educator at each FSF Member School will share the results with their applicants.

What will I get if I am a “Post-Modern” Scholarship recipient?

  • A $7,500 Scholarship that will be awarded prior to the commencement of the winner’s Spring Semester.

  • In addition to the summer internships which FSF facilitates, opportunity for a paid summer internship at a company that supports the Virgil Abloh ™ “Post - Modern” Scholarship Fund.

  • The opportunity to attend the FSF Summer Scholar Series — ten weeks of workforce preparedness and master class programming, Talent Acquisition Events, and Alumni Association events on professional development topics.

  • In addition to the Mentoring Program that FSF offers, opportunity for mentoring from an industry leader from one of Virgil Abloh’s partner companies.

What type of disciplines does the Fashion Scholarship Fund support?

The FSF supports the careers of the country’s most promising fashion students in all sectors of the industry: design and product development, marketing analytics, merchandising, and supply chain, among others.  

Can I learn more about Virgil Abloh?

Virgil Abloh was born in Rockford, Illinois in 1980. Mr. Abloh was an artist, architect and fashion designer. Throughout his career, he focused on inclusivity and philanthropy across these disciplines. After earning a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he obtained a master’s degree in Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology. It was at the Illinois Institute of Technology that Mr. Abloh was introduced to a curriculum established by Mies van der Rohe, formed from the notions of Bauhaus, that taught him to combine the fields of art, craft, and design. These theories, merged with contemporary culture, make up Abloh’s inter-disciplinary practice today.