Annual Programs
BTS Academy
It’s time to get ready for BTS Academy – 2024! BTS Academy is a free, three week summer program that will get youth connected to leaders in the fashion merchandising and footwear industries, while supplementing connections with hands-on activities that foster their creativity and entrepreneurial aspirations! BTS Academy will serve a cohort of 15 upcoming 10th-12th grade students from the Greater Cincinnati Area.
Dates: June 10-28th (Monday to Friday)
Time: 9 am – 1 pm daily
Location: P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy – 2026 E Seymour Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45237
The workshops, activities, and field trips will feature fashion industry leaders and business owners in the community, including nationally recognizable names and brands, some of which originated in the Midwest. Each student will receive a free iPad loaded with state of the art technology to use during the program and beyond! We’ll also be awarding stipends to top students in the program!
At the end of the program, each student will take the skills learned and developed during the Academy to create their own brands! BTS will then print students’ pieces so they’re able to see the entire life cycle of a garment. The overall aim of the program is to introduce youth to the variety of careers in fashion merchandising and footwear, while developing their professionalism skills through an experiential learning model. This specific program is unique and beneficial to the community as it promotes youth empowerment & workforce readiness in an industry that is considered by some ‘non-traditional.’
A complete application prior to the application deadline is required to be considered for the program. Also, a submitted application does not guarantee admission to the program. We ask that if you’re selected for the program, you commit to the entirety of the three weeks once notified. If transportation is a barrier for you to participate in this program, please communicate with the BTS team so we can explore alternative transportation options. Students who actively participate in all of the sessions will be in the running for stipends at the end of the program to pursue higher education or begin developing their own brands!
If you have any questions about the application process, please email natalie@biggerthansneakers.org.
Seats are limited. Submissions are due by Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 11:59 pm.
Pop Up Shop Opportunities
To continue supporting our community, BTS has partnered with Corporate to host pop up shops for small businesses and creatives. This platform creates a space to showcase their merchandise and market their businesses. This opportunity is available at both Corporate locations (Cincinnati & Indianapolis) on weekends. For more information, please contact natalie@biggerthansneakers.org.
