FDRA + FFANY Press Release Center

April 5, 2023 Press Release

Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, and Arsutoria Launch Footwear Creators Scholarship Program

Milan, Italy – Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design joins FDRA and ARSUTORIA to Launch The Footwear Creators Scholarship Program in Detroit, MI, USA.

Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC), Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) and Arsutoria, three of the most recognized footwear educational sources in the industry, have teamed up to provide development and manufacturing training to educators and emerging sneaker creators through the Footwear Creators Scholarship program.

The tuition-free program is open to college-aged students, as well as educational product development professionals. This unique opportunity for five students and five faculty to attend a hands-on training footwear prototyping workshop experience at the PLC | Arsutoria Footwear Creation Studio by Foot Locker. The workshop will provide sneaker development skills in pattern and sample making through the expertise of world-renowned skilled educators in the footwear development space. This opportunity is offered to students and faculty who demonstrate a passion for materiality, footwear construction, and a hands-on approach to concept creation. Each participant will receive a no-cost workshop and accommodation experience.

PLC is the pipeline for career education and professional development for industry-specific product creation. Our mission is to provide a creative and progressive source for vision and progress to push the culture forward — beyond what’s visible. We strive to prepare the largest talent pool of designers to enter the industry, empowering them to make it better for the next generation, leaving our industry better than when we entered it. PLC is committed to serving young Black creatives across industries. We are dedicated to providing students with the tools, resources and networks to help them break into the world of product creation and to equip them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in industry placement. www.pensolelewiscollege.com

“Joining forces with FDRA and Arsutoria is personally a dream come true for me. Together we will be able to provide new up and coming talent the opportunity to redefine our industry and elevate it to a level greater than when we entered it.” —D’Wayne Edwards, President, Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design

Established over 70 years ago, Arsutoria School is proud to be the leading provider of professional education for the footwear and leather goods industry. The school’s courses have been designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful pattern makers, product engineers, and designers in the industry. Arsutoria School’s mission is to provide students with a comprehensive education that allows them to contribute to the advancement of the industry. The school’s faculty comprises highly qualified professionals with extensive experience in the sector. Through their guidance, students are given the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen footwear profession. www.arsutoriaschool.com

“We are extremely excited about this opportunity. The goal of the synergy between Arsutoria and PLC is clear: to bring together training in both design and making. FDRA’s support is proof we are creating something relevant for the US footwear industry.” —Matteo Pasqua, President, Arsutoria

The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) and FFANY are excited to announce the continuation of their partnership and support for the Footwear Creators Scholarship (formerly known as the Joe Moore Scholarship). FDRA is the only trade organization dedicated solely to the footwear industry, representing nearly 500 companies and brands worldwide. For over 75 years, FDRA has been an integral part of the footwear supply chain, playing a major role in the last 8 iterations of the Joe Moore Scholarship and providing a strong voice supporting the entire footwear industry. FDRA’s membership includes small family-owned businesses and large multinational corporations, accounting for 95% of total U.S. footwear sales. FDRA’s network and resources can provide footwear professionals with the clarity and insight needed to make informed decisions and increase productivity. Additionally, FDRA is actively involved in advocating for footwear jobs and shoe consumers in Washington, DC, and around the world.

 “We believe that partnering with other organizations is crucial to achieving our goal of making education more accessible and affordable for students interested in the footwear industry. Through the Footwear Creators scholarship program, we aim to support the next generation of innovators and leaders who will drive the footwear industry forward.” —Matt Priest, President, FDRA

About FDRA: FDRA is the footwear industry’s voice in Washington. It represents and advocates for nearly 500 companies and brands worldwide, or 95% of total U.S. footwear sales, making it America’s largest and most respected footwear trade association.

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