A Model for Creating Sustainable Corporate Partnerships in Design and Merchandising Education

Abstract

<p>The aim of this project is to create a model for sustainable corporate partnership that supports ethically focused design and merchandising education. The initial steps of the project were focused on identifying corporations that have waste and surplus materials that could be repurposed into garments or accessories. Once a corporate partner has been identified, build a relationship that is mutually beneficial. In the process of relationship building identify a long-term vision that can sustain the project for 3 or more years, and ultimately use this model to engage with other corporate partners. United Airlines donated upwards of $25,000 in materials, resources, and prizes to an arts college in the Midwest through a design challenge, "Design for Change." Due to United's vested interest in the project, a workshop was piloted, which was the vehicle for the design challenge.</p>