Gucci announced the 2021 class of Gucci Changemakers North America Scholars on Thursday. This year’s 22 scholarship recipients were selected from a competitive pool of 450 applicants. The selected scholars are pursuing various careers within fashion, and will receive an academic scholarship for up to $20,000 in addition to mentorship and virtual internship opportunities through Gucci America.

Established in 2020, the Gucci Changemakers Scholarship Program provides funds to undergraduate students with unmet financial needs who are passionate about careers in the fashion and creative industries. The program primarily focuses on students from diverse backgrounds who live or study in one of the twelve Gucci North America Changemakers cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington DC.

Through this program, Gucci aims to create positive change within the fashion industry by empowering the next generation of creative talent.

“We are honored to announce the selection of these talented and creative students from all backgrounds
and regions in North America. They represent HBCUs, community colleges, fashion schools, and non-fashion schools alike. Their diverse points of views embody the future of not only fashion, but creative industries as a whole. We look forward to engaging with all of our scholars over the coming months ahead,” said Antoine Phillips, Vice President of Brand and Culture Engagement.

The funding allows young talents to be able to express their creative freedom by alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with higher education. All awardees will have the opportunity to participate in the Gucci Program for Scholars, a 6-week long virtual summer program. Students will learn about the various career paths available within the fashion industry, including fashion industry education, engagement with all departments across Gucci North America, Gucci corporate mentor assignment and skill building workshops.

Also falling under the Changemakers umbrella, the brand has announced the recipient of the Gucci North America Changemakers x CFDA Scholars by Design program. The $20,000 one-year award supports one person of color, who identifies as a woman, and is starting their final year of a fashion design program. The award was presented to D’on Lauren Edwards of Savannah College of Art and Design.

The next round of applications for the Gucci North America Changemakers Scholarship Program will open in Fall 2021.