K-12: Fashion Forward: Create and Demonstrate Sustainable Fashion

Fashion Forward is an exciting volunteer initiative designed for K-12 students who are passionate about fashion and sustainability. As global awareness of environmental issues increases, the importance of sustainable fashion practices becomes ever more evident. This program aims to educate and empower young students to become advocates for eco-friendly fashion choices and to contribute to a greener future actively. It consists of one week of in-person lab, 4 weeks of online training, and a fashion show at Stanford University. The winner can participate in the Sustainability and Fashion Conference.

Description

Program Overview: Fashion Forward

Fashion Forward is an exciting volunteer initiative designed for K-12 students who are passionate about fashion and sustainability. As global awareness of environmental issues increases, the importance of sustainable fashion practices becomes ever more evident. This program aims to educate and empower young students to become advocates for eco-friendly fashion choices and to actively contribute to a greener future. The Class will be taught by professional designers. Dr. Liz will participate the overall program in person.

Program Structure:

  • Online Training: Four weeks of comprehensive online training in fashion design, equipping students with the foundational knowledge needed to create environmentally conscious fashion.

  • In-person Lab: A hands-on, one-week lab in Palo Alto during early August 2025, with an option for remote participation via Zoom. This lab focuses on the practical application of skills to produce sustainable garments.

  • Fashion Show: Held at the Stanford Campus following the one-week lab, this event showcases participants’ sustainable creations.

  • Recognition and Opportunities: The winner of the fashion show will be invited to attend the prestigious Sustainability and Fashion Conference in October 2025.

Please Note: Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements and costs as travel expenses for the in-person lab and other events are not covered by the program.

Program Goals:

  • Education on Sustainable Fashion: Teach students about sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing processes, and the environmental impacts of the fashion industry.

  • Community Engagement: Foster events and campaigns within schools and local communities to promote sustainable practices.

  • Creative Expression: Encourage the use of recycled and eco-friendly materials in students' fashion projects.

Sustainable Fashion Show: An annual event that celebrates the creativity and innovation of participants, showcasing their commitment to eco-friendly fashion.

Responsibilities:

  • Workshop Participation: Attend sessions led by experts in sustainable fashion and environmental conservation.

  • Project Development: Engage in projects that exemplify sustainable practices, such as organizing clothing swaps or fashion shows with recycled materials.

  • Community Outreach: Promote sustainable fashion awareness among peers, family, and community members.

Training and Support:

  • Expert Guidance: Learn from professionals in both the fashion industry and sustainability fields.

  • Resource Access: Utilize materials and tools essential for creating sustainable fashion items and campaigns.

  • Team Collaboration: Collaborate with peers to spearhead initiatives and support mutual growth in sustainable fashion.

Benefits of Volunteering:

  • Skill Development: Acquire skills in project management, public speaking, and creative design while advocating for the environment.

  • Impactful Contribution: Play a significant role in promoting sustainable practices within the fashion industry on a community level.

  • Personal Growth: Enhance leadership abilities and build relationships while working towards a sustainable future.

Who Should Apply: This program is ideal for students interested in fashion, eager to make a difference, and enthusiastic about developing leadership through active community involvement.

Join Us: Transform your passion for fashion into action with the Fashion Forward program. Sign up today to help us integrate sustainability into the very fabric of our future!

Minimum age to participate the fashion show is 5 years old. 

About instructor

Dr. Liz Xu

Elizabeth is a public company board member and the CEO of A2C Leadership Group. She has served as two CTO positions of billion-dollar revenue companies: CP Group and BMC Software. She became a C-level executive in 2005 at a public company. She provides coaching in Leadership, Digital Transformation, AI, and cloud. She is also an investor for early-stage companies.

Dr. Elizabeth Xu has taught at Stanford University for 6 years about leadership, and currently is a guest lecturer at Stanford University Teaching Digital Transformation at the Department of Engineering Management Science. She is also the advisor for MIT Innovation Initiatives.

Elizabeth earned an M.S. and B.S. degree from Peking University and a Ph.D. and a Master’s Degrees from University Nevada, and She is a Harvard certified board member and attended the Stanford Executive Program.

Elizabeth received the TOP 50 Diversity Leader in the United States in 2020, the Presidential Award in 2019, the Global Leadership Award in 2018, the WITI Hall of Fame Award in 2017, and Women of Influence in Silicon Valley in 2013. She also received 10+ other prestigious awards. She is a trailblazer, leading a creative and proven path to the top.

Elizabeth lives by the credo of the four “L”s

1. Live to my fullest potential.
2. Love others and enable them to reach their fullest potential.
3. Learn continuously.
4. Leave a legacy.