07 Feb 2025 BROOKLYN-BASED SOLECIAL STUDIES COMMUNITY ACADEMY PARTNERS WITH TWO TEN FOOTWEAR FOUNDATION ON CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS FOR WOMEN IN FOOTWEAR
This scholarship-based collaboration will offer free continuing education for women seeking upward mobility in the industry by leveraging funding available through Two Ten’s Women in the Footwear Industry (WIFI) grant program.
BROOKLYN, NY – Feb. 4, 2025 – Footwear industry continuing education provider SOLEcial Studies Community Academy (SSCA) today announced the launch of a collaborative program for women already in the industry, according to SSCA co-founder Sean Williams. SSCA is partnering with the nonprofit Ten Ten Footwear Foundation to make grant funding available to women in footwear seeking professional development training through SSCA.
Women who enroll in courses in the new program, called SOLEcial Studies: Strictly for the Ladies, will be able to apply for Two Ten WIFI grants to cover the cost of tuition. Coursework in this program will be designed and led by SSCA alum-turned-instructor Jeneene Bailey-Allen.
Strictly for the Ladies will be held from March 5-April 2, 2025. All sessions are virtual.
“I’m excited about our partnership with the Two Ten Footwear Foundation because it allows us to increase the frequency of women’s exclusive education and empowerment during a very pivotal time in our industry,” Williams said. “Connecting course participants with funding available through Two Ten’s WIFI grant program will help tremendously by expanding access to the program and giving women the opportunity to become the power players in sneakers that we know them to be.”
There is a serious need for more women in the footwear industry; not just in design and retail but in many segments, including marketing, management, development, and there’s little if any gender-specific career development geared to them.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this program and empower women in the footwear industry,” Bailey-Allen said. “Representation and access are crucial, and this partnership with Two Ten Footwear Foundation provides the tools, knowledge, and support for women to thrive. Education and mentorship are my passion and I’m honored to help shape the future of women in sneakers.”
Two Ten is providing grant funding for eligible candidates through its WIFI grant program, allowing women in footwear the opportunity to participate in this special SOLEcial Studies course free of charge. The program is available to women who work in the footwear industry or closely allied industries. Eligibility will be clearly defined at scheduled information sessions hosted by the SSCA and Two Ten Footwear Foundation.
Two Ten President & CEO Shawn Osborne adds: “The Foundation is delighted to partner with SSCA to ensure women in footwear can take advantage of this new program. Expanding access to educational opportunities and helping women advance their careers are core to our work lifting lives in the footwear community. Partnerships like this are well aligned with the objectives of our WIFI community and the WIFI grant program.”
About SSCA
The SOLEcial Studies CommUNITY Academy (SSCA) is America’s first sneaker business and culture academy. SSCA operates with the belief that sneakers are more than just required equipment for sports or a simple fashion statement. They are a reflection of individuals’ identities and missions. SSCA teaches its students about the many different “non-design” related jobs and careers in the sneaker industry, including brand building, history and storytelling, podcast creation and consulting, video production, and photography.
About Two Ten’sWIFI Community
The Two Ten Women in the Footwear Industry (WIFI) community provides an important forum for women to connect, learn, share information, elevate themselves, and support each other while growing their professional networks. Learn more at https://twoten.org/wifi/.
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