Remember the whole Gucci blackface drama that went down last year? To help turn things around, the brand has launched a diversity scholarship that will give US$20,000 underrepresented youth who want to get into the fashion industry.
Wondering who can get in on this? Students from 12 North American cities are eligible to apply for the diversity scholarship, and CBC News reports that Toronto is the only Canadian city on the list.
Other cities like Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit,, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Houston, New York, San Francisco, and Washington are also on the list of North American cities.
The Italian fashion house will be giving out a total of US$1.5 million in scholarships during this 4 year initiative, says a press release.
According to the brands website, it will also be giving an additional $5 million in grants to “non-profit community organizations that are focused on three areas of impact: social justice and equity; art and culture; and education, working in diverse communities.”
“With the scholarship program, we aim to create opportunities and visibility for traditionally underrepresented creatives,” said lawyer and writer Yaseen Eldik, who is co-chair of the Changemakers Council. “Our goal is to break down barriers, particularly financial, and make fashion for diverse and inclusive.”
There will also be special considerations for anyone planning on attending or already attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Applications for scholarship and grant programs opened October 7. The deadline for grants is November 7, and the scholarship applications deadline is on December 31.
Students can also reapply for the diversity scholarship every year.
Marco Bizzarri, Gucci’s President and CEO says, “We have always believed in the importance of creating a more inclusive and diverse industry so we must invest in and empower the next generation of creatives, designers and leaders.”