In 2007, the CFDA and Teen Vogue joined forces to create the CFDA/Teen Vogue Scholarship. This program was established to identify high school students who demonstrate exceptional promise for a future in fashion design, and who intend to pursue a BFA (or equivalent undergraduate degree, as offered) at one of the reputable design schools that participate in the CFDA’s Educational Initiatives. The goal of this educational initiative is to help graduating students make informed decisions about their college education and to help defray their tuition costs.

Target has made a commitment to donate $250,000 annually to help endow this program. To recognize Target’s unwavering dedication to support emerging design talent, each year the top winner is awarded $25,000 and given the title Target Fashion Scholar. In addition, Target arranges for several supplemental learning opportunities on the Target Fashion Scholar’s behalf – including a trip to their headquarters in Minneapolis to work with the Target Design team.

The 2008-2009 CFDA / Teen Vogue Scholarship Selection Committee was comprised of representatives from CFDA, Teen Vogue and Target, as well as designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of PROENZA SCHOULER.

Rachel Brown, a student at Arlington Memorial High School in Arlington, VT., has been selected as the 2008-2009 Target Fashion Scholar. In October of 2008, Rachel will be flown to New York City to attend Teen Vogue’s FASHION U weekend.

The other five winners of the 2008-2009 CFDA/Teen Vogue Scholarship are:

Taylor Larson
Anthony Mendez
Olivia O’Neill
Anna Sofia Rubin
Isabel Simpson-Kirsch

These five seniors were awarded $5,000 each to help pay for their first-year expenses at the participating school of their choice. The Target Fashion Scholar and the five winners were also provided with Singer Sewing Machines and design books containing project ideas and sewing techniques.

Please see video below for last year’s Target Fashion Scholar, Rachel Brown:

And the previous year’s Target Fashion Scholar, Anna Lesassier: If you are interested in receiving a 2009-2010 CFDA / Teen Vogue Scholarship application, please visit the Teen Vogue website to download the application and for more information. The due date for the 2009-2010 CFDA / Teen Vogue Scholarship is set for July 20th, 2009. Thank you!