Gucci Reveals the 2020 Class of Its North America Changemakers Scholarship Program
The fashion house’s scholarship programs will commit $1.5 million USD for the next 4 years.
Established back in March 2019, Gucci has finally announced the recipients of its North America Changemakers Scholarship Program. The 20 diverse young individuals, all pursuing fashion at undergraduate colleges or universities, will receive an academic scholarship of up to $20,000 USD, as well as mentorship and virtual internship opportunities through the fashion house’s U.S. base. Antoine Phillips, Vice President of Brand & Culture Engagement at Gucci said in a press release:
“As education is vital to implementing real change and ensuring diverse voices are in positions of power, it is more important than ever to foster the next generation of talent. I loved learning about each inspiring applicant along with our Changemakers Council and we are excited to see what they do next and how they help transform the fashion industry. I am proud to be part of a company that empowers this inaugural class of visionary Changemakers.”
Initially featured on the Gucci Equilibrium platform, this initiative focuses on students that come from diverse backgrounds who live or study in one of the “12 Gucci North America Changemakers cities” such as Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and Toronto. It is also dedicated to helping those who are currently enrolled or plan on applying at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Additionally, Gucci has also chosen two students to be a part of the Gucci North America Changemakers x CFDA Scholars By Design Program. This initiative aims to support diverse graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue “fashion design at an accredited four-year undergraduate college or university,” according to a press release. Each recipient will be allocated $20,000 USD per year for the entirety of their undergraduate degree. On top of that, the Italian luxury brand’s scholarship programs will commit $1.5 million USD to future generations for the next four years, in order for diverse youths to receive equal opportunities and experiences within the fashion industry.
The next round of applications for the Gucci North America Changemakers Scholarship Program will commence this fall. Head on over to the program’s official website for more details.
Gucci North America Changemakers Scholars:
• Astrid Viera, currently a high school senior who will be attending Mt. San Jacinto College
• Celeste Haselrig, currently a college freshman attending Parsons
• Destinee Elliott, currently a college freshman attending Thomas Jefferson University
• Diop Russell, currently a college sophomore attending Spelman College
• Fabiola Lopez, currently a college freshman attending Azusa Pacific University
• Gabrielle DeLeon, currently a college freshman attending FIT
• Gideon Gomm, currently a college freshman attending Parsons
• Jasmine Bacchus, currently a college junior at Brown University
• Kaitlyn Gilliam, currently a college junior at Howard University
• Kristian Brown, currently a college sophomore at FIT
• Malachi Williams, currently a high school senior who will be attending Hunter College
• Marcus Williams, currently a college sophomore at University of Southern California: School of Cinematic Arts & Marshall School of Business
• Marie France Mendy, currently a college sophomore at Cornell University
• Maya Davis, currently a high school senior who will be attending Bowling Green State University
• Miles Richards, currently a high school senior who will be attending College for Creative Studies, Detroit
• Nailah Barnes, currently a college sophomore at Spelman College
• Nicole Scott, currently a college freshman at the University of Cincinnati
• Sekoi Cooper, currently a college junior at Parsons
• Glory Lee, currently a college freshman at Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design
• Trevon Barnes, currently a college sophomore at FIT
Gucci North America Changemakers x CFDA Scholars By Design
• Ajai Kasim, currently a high school senior who will be attending Parsons
• Kaya Ugorji, currently a high school senior who will be attending FIT
