CFDA Launches NYC Fashion Internship Program

This summer, the CFDA is inviting 100 NYC high schoolers and college undergrads to partake in NYC Fashion Forward, a new program that offers fashion industry experiences through specialized paid internships. The initiative was created in partnership with the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, the NYC Economic Development Corporation, and Coach.

With the CFDA, NYCEDC will financially back 60 summer jobs and the Mayor’s Fund will create 40 employer-funded summer internships at companies small and large, in departments including design, manufacturing, and PR. Participating companies so far include Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Kate Spade & Company, Alice + Olivia, Diane von Furstenberg, J.Crew, Opening Ceremony, David Wolfson & Associates Inc., Design Incubator Inc., Haskell Jewels LLC, and Krupp Group.

“Connecting our young people to valuable internship opportunities is not just about creating a career launching pad,” added Gabrielle Fialkoff, senior advisor to the Mayor and director of the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Partnerships. “NYC Fashion Forward is also shaping a homegrown talent pool that will satisfy the fashion industry’s growing demand for diverse and loyal employees. Together, we can ensure that our young people, our businesses and our city are better prepared to compete in the 21^st century economy.”