BS in Fashion Design

Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) & Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholarship

The Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) is a national non-profit association dedicated to supporting students pursuing careers in the fashion industry. Each year, FSF awards over $1.2 million to help students succeed in all areas of the fashion industry. Scholarships are awarded under two categories: Fashion Scholarship Fund Scholarships and Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholarships. Since 2018, we have had 50+ Jefferson Fashion Design students win scholarships ranging from $7500- $10,0000.

Black Talent in Design and Fashion Fund

Co-founded by Jefferson Fashion Design Aluma Alicia Pickney '13, and funded by a number of large organizations, this scholarship directly funds black students studying to enter the apparel or footwear industries. This scholarship is open to all full-time undergraduate fashion students of color enrolled in accredited colleges/universities. Since 2020, we have had 20+ Jefferson Fashion Design students receive funding from this organization. 

UnderFashion Club (UFC) Scholarship

UnderFashion Club (UFC) is a non-profit organization focused on providing education and experience for students looking to enter the fashion industry. Each year, UFC offers an exclusive scholarship to Fashion Design students at its partner schools, of which Thomas Jefferson University is included. This scholarship is specifically geared towards students interested in sleep and intimate apparel product categories, and offers both financial scholarship and mentorship opportunities to the winners. Since 2020, we have had 15+ Jefferson Fashion Design Students win $2,000- $8,000 scholarships from this organization.

Martinson Fund

This grant is made possible by the generosity of Eileen Martinson, alumna ’86 and chair of our Board of Trustees. The Martinson Capstone Awards provide funding for students to use as part of their projects. Capstone projects and similar junior and senior level major projects, with faculty support, will be considered. Students can request specific funding amounts.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America Scholarship (CFDA)

This scholarship was established in 1996 by the Council of Fashion Designers in America and has awarded more than $2 million and 300 scholarships to Fashion Design students from more than 22 leading American colleges and universities. The top student projects travel to New York to present their portfolios in front of a CFDA Member Selection Committee in May, giving students not only a shot at the scholarship, but also access to incredible networking opportunities. 

Joe's Black Book

As a member school, Jefferson Fashion Design students are eligible to participate in this and the brief is built into the curriculum so students can complete scholarship work inside class time.

Junior level Fashion Design students at Thomas Jefferson University all design and construct eveningwear red dress looks in support of the “Go Red for Women” national campaign by the American Heart Association. Historically, the American Heart Association’s Philadelphia chapter has hosted the Red Dress Luncheon at historic locations in the city to show off these dresses. 

Throughout the years, Thomas Jefferson Fashion Design students have participated in industry-sponsored projects with companies like WM, Philly Fashion Week, Mimaki USA, Target, Old Navy, Free People, and many more.