What We Look For in a CWC Fellow
CWC Year 1 Fellow Issy with her mentor graphic design director at Tommy Hilfiger Malcolm Crews
Creatives Want Change is committed to supporting underrepresented high school students who have the passion to pursue careers in fashion. Each year, we review hundreds of applications from students across the country who are eager to become a CWC Fellow and attend pre-college programs at leading fashion institutions nationwide.
While every Fellow brings a unique background and perspective, there are key qualities we consistently look for when selecting CWC Fellows. These traits help us identify students who will thrive in our programs and make the most of the opportunities we provide.
CWC Year 3 Fellow Shylah during her pre-college program.
Strong Academic Performance
We look for students who demonstrate dedication to their education. Strong grades signal discipline, time management, and commitment, all of which are essential for success in both creative fields and college-level coursework.
CWC Fellows attend rigorous pre-college programs at institutions like Parsons, SCAD, RISD, and Otis. Academic readiness ensures students can fully engage with college-level material while balancing creative work.
A Well-Executed Portfolio
A portfolio is one of the most important parts of a CWC application. We are not looking for perfection, but for intention, personality, and growth.
We want to see:
Clear creative direction
Technical skill and experimentation
Projects that feel thoughtful and complete
Your portfolio shows us how you think, how you problem-solve, and how you communicate ideas visually. Whether you work in fashion design, illustration, styling, photography, or digital media, we want to see work that reflects your voice.
CWC Year 3 Fellow Shylah during her pre-college program.
A Compelling Personal Story
Many of our Fellows come from communities that have historically been excluded from fashion education and industry opportunities. We want to understand who you are, where you come from, and why fashion matters to you.
Your personal statement helps us learn:
What inspired you to pursue fashion
Challenges you have faced and overcome
What you hope to create or change through your work
Your story matters. It helps us understand your journey and how CWC can support your next steps.
Why We Ask for a Video
Your video gives us deeper insight into who you are beyond your application. It is a chance to share your personality, your motivations, and why you believe you should be a CWC Fellow.
Applications that include a video are given priority, as they help us better understand your voice, perspective, and passion for fashion.
Beyond the Application
As you complete your application, keep these tips in mind. Be thoughtful, honest, and intentional in every response. This is your opportunity to show us who you are as a creative, what inspires you, and how you hope to grow through our programs.
There is no single formula for becoming a CWC Fellow. We value talent, dedication, and authenticity. Some Fellows have years of experience sewing or designing, while others are just beginning their creative journeys. What matters most is your commitment to growth and your passion for design.
We look forward to reviewing your portfolio, reading your response, and learning more about your journey.
