Hems & Brims Mentorship Program is a six-month, fully virtual program that provides Black youth with the education, mentorship, and professional development needed to pursue careers in fashion.

Through structured coursework, collaborative projects, and one-on-one mentorship, we address educational gaps, expand access to industry knowledge, and support students in exploring long-term career pathways in fashion.

Students gain foundational knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional guidance while building meaningful relationships with fashion professionals and peers.

What Students Gain:

Industry Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from fashion professionals tailored to each student's career goals and creative interests.

Comprehensive Fashion Education: Self-paced courses and live classes covering Black Fashion History, Fashion Design, Business of Fashion and Sustainable Fashion.

Essential Resources: Access to sewing equipment, fabric, and materials for students who need them, ensuring everyone can fully participate regardless of financial barriers.

Real-World Experience: Internship placements, volunteer opportunities, and networking events that connect students directly with fashion industry professionals.

Lifelong Community: Continued access to the Hems & Brims alumni network, professional development opportunities, and future programming after graduation.

Program Certificate: Official recognition of completion to showcase on resumes and portfolios.

For Students & Parents

Eligibility:
Black teens ages 14–18 with an interest in pursuing a fashion career. No prior experience required.

What to Expect:
Our program is 100% virtual, allowing you to participate from anywhere. You'll complete self-paced courses and live classes covering Black Fashion History, Business of Fashion, Fashion Design, and Business of Fashion and Sustainable Fashion. You'll also collaborate with peers on alumni-led research projects and receive one-on-one mentorship from a fashion industry professional. All sessions follow Eastern Standard Time (EST), so be sure to plan accordingly.

Resources Provided:
Students who need them will receive a sewing machine, sewing kit, and fabric to fully participate in Fashion Design courses. All students gain access to career preparation including workshops, guest speaker sessions, networking events, and opportunities to apply for internships and volunteer placements.

  • Registration for our next cohort will reopen in Spring 2026.

    When registration opens, students may request an application by emailing info@hemsandbrims.com.

    Application requirements include:

    • A recommendation letter from a teacher, mentor, or employer

    • A 3–5 paragraph essay

  • Program Dates: June - November 2026

    • June - July: Courses | Saturdays and Sundays, scheduled 9 AM - 11 AM EST or 12 PM - 2 PM EST

    • August: Group Sessions | Sundays, scheduled 9 AM - 11 AM EST or 12 PM - 2 PM EST

    • September - October: 1:1 Mentorship Sessions | 1 hour session scheduled weekly, based on mentor/mentee's availability

    • November: Career Readiness | A series of virtual events including workshops, guest speaker sessions, and networking events. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony

  • Approx. 60 hours total across six months

    • June - July | Live Courses: 4 hrs/week × 8 weeks = 32 hours

    • August | Group Sessions: 2 hrs/week × 5 weeks = 10 hours

    • September - October | 1:1 Sessions: 1 hr/week × 9 weeks = 9 hours

    • November | Career Readiness Month: 5+ hours total

    Note: Hours may vary slightly depending on the number of weeks in each month. This does not include time spent on self-paced courses or any internship or volunteer opportunities that may be presented.

Need more details? Visit our FAQ page for answers.

For Educators

Connect Us With Students: Share the program with aspiring fashion creatives in your community, especially those who would benefit from mentorship and industry access.

Support Applicants: Help students prepare their applications and provide recommendation letters that highlight their potential and readiness for the program.

Partner With Hems & Brims: Attend information sessions, facilitate connections with your student network, or explore institutional partnership opportunities.

For Volunteers

Fashion professionals, educators, and alumni play a vital role in shaping the next generation of Black fashion creatives. Whether you're mentoring one-on-one or teaching specialized skills your expertise directly impacts students' career trajectories and access to the industry.

  • Mentor: Provide one-on-one guidance, industry insights, and personalized support to help students develop their skills and navigate their fashion careers.

    Instructor: Lead virtual courses on specialized fashion topics, sharing your expertise and real-world experience with Hems & Brims students.

    Group Session Leader (GSL): Hems & Brims alumni only. Guide students through a fashion-related research project, facilitating team collaboration and helping them explore industry topics while developing essential teamwork and critical thinking skills.

    Event Host: Lead a virtual fundraiser to support our mission and expand opportunities for Black creatives in fashion. Apply to host here

  • Fashion professionals, program alumni, and creatives committed to mentorship, education, and empowering the next generation of Black talent in fashion.

  • Email info@hemsandbrims.com to request a volunteer application and learn more about how you can support Hems & Brims students.

Program Timeline

2019-Present