The Fashion Industry Youth Initiative (FIYI) Empowering Students Through STEM, Literacy, and Real-World Skills is a transformative program dedicated to empowering youth through fashion education and industry resources.

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At The Garment League, the Fashion Industry Youth Initiative (FIYI) offers a unique educational experience that integrates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), literacy, and critical life skills into K-12 learning. Through FIYI, students engage in hands-on learning that uses fashion as a gateway to understanding essential academic and technical concepts, preparing them for future success.

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​​Our Mission:

FIYI aims to provide young people with real-world experiences and essential skills in various aspects of the fashion industry. By offering a hands-on curriculum that combines fashion design, garment construction, marketing, and other industry trades, we foster creativity while promoting workforce development for youth aged 8 to 17.

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Our program provides:

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• STEM-Based Learning: Fashion involves more than creativity—it's also rooted in technical processes. Students explore how math is integrated into the design process, from calculating fabric measurements to creating patterns and developing technical designs. They learn to apply geometry, fractions, and algebra in practical ways, ensuring that each garment is designed and constructed with precision. In addition, measuring and interpreting specifications are vital parts of our curriculum, teaching students to engage deeply with mathematical principles.

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• Technical and Creative Skills: Students delve into technical design, mastering the use of measurements, proportions, and garment specifications. They also explore color theory, understanding how science and psychology influence color choices in fashion and how these concepts translate into real-world applications across industries.

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• Public Speaking and Communication: Effective communication is a core part of FIYI’s curriculum. Through presentations, public speaking, and group projects, students develop the confidence to articulate their ideas, both in the classroom and beyond. Whether discussing their design process, presenting research, or pitching fashion concepts, students learn essential verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

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• Research and Academic Enrichment: In addition to hands-on projects, students complete research papers that blend fashion with academic rigor, enhancing their ability to conduct research, synthesize information, and communicate findings clearly. This reinforces both literacy and critical thinking skills while preparing students for postsecondary success.

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• A Comprehensive K-12 Learning Experience: By combining technical skills, academic enrichment, and creative exploration, FIYI offers students an engaging, hands-on alternative to traditional K-12 education. Students not only explore the science and engineering behind fashion, but also build skills in literacy, research, and critical thinking that prepare them for college and career pathways.

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Impact:

FIYI serves over 920 youth annually, providing quality education and resources that empower them to realize their potential in the fashion industry.

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Join us in supporting the next generation of fashion innovators and leaders. Together, we can create opportunities that inspire and uplift our youth, building a brighter future for all.

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Get Involved:

Whether you’re a student interested in joining our program, a fashion mentor looking to give back, or a sponsor eager to support our mission, we welcome you to be part of the FIYI community. Contact us to learn more about how you can get involved!