The Fashion Scholarship Fund is increasing efforts to expand access to students from underrepresented backgrounds who may not attend one of the 75 accredited FSF member colleges and universities that help prepare students for the FSF’s Case Study Application.

The initiative is FSF University, a free online learning platform designed to give every eligible student, regardless of school affiliation, the tools and support they need to complete an FSF Case Study and apply for the FSF Scholarship.

The competition is an opportunity for full-time undergraduate students in their sophomore, junior or senior year to receive a financial scholarship of $10,000 to $25,000 and fashion career support. Applicants should be interested in pursuing a career in fashion.

It has been found that FSF Scholarships, especially the Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarships, change scholars’ career trajectories.

At this year’s gala in April, the FSF awarded more than $1.9 million in scholarships to 160 FSF Scholars, including the newest class of 60 Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund Scholars (up from 30 last year), who attend a network of 75 colleges and universities across the country, all of whom were in attendance and had their work showcased at the event.

“FSF University exists to level the playing field,” said Peter Arnold, executive director of the Fashion Scholarship Fund. “No matter where you’re studying or what your background may be, this platform will guide you through the FSF Case Study process and equip you with the tools to succeed. We believe in your talent, and we believe in your future.”

FSF University is a free, self-paced digital program delivered on Arizona State University’s Canvas platform, FSF’s official Learning Management System partner. Together, they have created a robust, accessible space where students can learn how to research, build and master their FSF Case Study and prepare for scholarship success.

Students begin with three introductory modules, all available online now, then select an FSF discipline: design and product development, merchandising, marketing, or business strategy. The next four modules, released in early June, offer step-by-step guidance by creating a case study. All seven educational modules include video presentations, quizzes and assignments, to help students submit their best work.

Marie Colletta, head of education programs at FSF, said, “Through FSF University’s seven on-demand modules, you’ll learn everything you need — from choosing your discipline to researching, drafting and submitting your case study. The best part? You can work at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.”

The program is open to any eligible student, including those at FSF member schools and those from schools outside the FSF network. If one is eligible to apply for the FSF Scholarship, one can apply.

Students will learn how to complete the FSF Case Study, which encompasses understanding the 2026 competition theme; how to select one’s discipline; how to conduct research; how to structure and draft one’s case study, and how to polish and submit one’s final work. Students will also receive qualitative feedback from FSF adjunct faculty partners within 48 business hours of each assignment submission, helping students improve and refine their ideas ahead of the competition deadline. Discussion boards and optional office hours are offered to provide additional support as students move through the course.

Eligible students can enroll in FSF’s application portal, WizeHive, where they can access FSF’s How to Apply guide. The program is self-paced but structured, with suggested weekly milestones to help students stay on track. Students are expected to dedicate about two to three hours per week over six to eight weeks.

Assignments must be submitted for feedback on FSF University as soon as completed and no later than Oct. 1, 2025 at 11:59 a.m., ET. Students must submit their final Case Study on FSF’s WizeHive portal by Oct. 13, 2025 at 11:59 a.m., ET. Students who complete all modules will earn a certificate of completion of this year’s case student theme, Fashion Crosses Industries.

“FSF University isn’t just a course — it’s a gateway to opportunity, mentorship and a future in fashion,” said Farai Simoyi, head of the Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund and Equity.

While FSF University isn’t required, it’s strongly encouraged, especially for students who don’t have direct access to FSF educators, case study advisers or past scholars.

FSF is the foremost fashion-oriented education and workforce development nonprofit in the U.S. The FSF works directly with the country’s most talented young students from diverse backgrounds and awards over $1.9 million each year in scholarships helping students succeed in all sectors of the industry including design, merchandising, marketing analytics and business strategy. The FSF also provides scholars with a wide range of internship and career opportunities, mentorship, networking, professional development and access to the industry’s most influential leaders and companies.

In 2020, Virgil Abloh partnered with the FSF to establish and administer the Post Modern Scholarship Fund to foster equity and inclusion across the fashion industry by providing scholarships funds, career support and mentoring to students who identify as Black or African American.

Over the past year, the FSF has launched initiatives such as the FSF Community Colleges Initiative, which identifies and supports students enrolled in two-year community colleges who aspire to careers in fashion and fashion-adjacent industries, and Bridge Fund Grants that support the FSF’s mission to provide more scholarships and more career opportunities to talent who may not otherwise have a pathway into the industry.