Call for Submissions for Second Annual Susan Sherman Scholarship Fund

Saint Louis Fashion Fund Announces Scholarship Opportunities “Call for Submissions”

Co-authored by Joan Berkman and Grayling Holmes

 Saint Louis Fashion Fund, a leading voice and advocate for the St. Louis fashion industry, has announced a “Call for Submissions” for its Second Annual Susan Sherman Fashion Scholarship program and invites college/university students - freshmen, sophomores, juniors and-seniors – who are Missouri residents and attending a school with a fashion/business-related sequence to apply.

Susan Sherman flanked by 2025 Susan Sherman Scholarship Award recipients/ photo by Kevin de Miranda

Six scholarships of $5,000 will be awarded to students pursuing any of the wide spectrum of fashion opportunities such as fashion design, merchandising, entrepreneurship, beauty, photography, fashion journalism, sustainability, etc. In addition, scholarship recipients will receive mentorship as well as assistance with internship opportunities.

To learn more about the 2026 Susan Sherman Fashion Scholarship or to enter a scholarship application submission, visit: saintlouisfashionfund.org/scholarship

Scholarship Origin

At an event held at the Saks Fifth Avenue in December 2024, the Susan Sherman Fashion Scholarship was unveiled. The event was the conclusion of the Saint Louis Fashion Fund’s year-long 10th Anniversary Celebration. At the event, Joan Berkman had the honor of telling Susan and the gathered audience about the award.

Up on the screen went a pic of Susan, resplendent in a canary yellow designer dress. Emblazoned next to her onscreen were the words Susan Sherman Fashion Scholarship. Her mouth dropped open in surprise for a full minute while Joan  explained that more than $37,500 had already been raised for the scholarship, which is earmarked for local students of fashion and design.

After the award was announced, Susan said, “I’m honored by the scholarship and especially the thought behind it. I (and members of the Fund) have mentored young fashion students and brands for over ten years – it is what brings me great joy.” She went on to say that, “The fact that the students must study fashion/design in Missouri is key, as we must continue to strive to keep young students here. We need them to continue to build St. Louis’ thriving fashion ecosystem. The scholarship in my name was a huge surprise and I am overwhelmed with gratitude.”

Award Background

For more than 10 years, Saint Louis Fashion Fund has provided opportunities including internships, apprenticeships and hands-on fashion experiences for emerging designers, students and fashion industry colleagues to push boundaries and make waves with their creative pursuits. The program has served as a launching pad for a number of designers who have since opened businesses in the St. Louis area and beyond. The Fund not only mentors but also makes connections for creatives to help carve their career paths as well as make their voices matter in the fashion community.

Deadline for Submissions

The deadline for submissions is 5:00 p.m., May 15, 2026. Scholarship recipients and a parent/guardian are requested to attend a formal award presentation as part of the Fund's annual "Fashion Futures" event, sponsored by Caleres in partnership Neiman Marcus, in St. Louis on July 31.

"Fashion Futures" provides an extraordinary opportunity for students to not only meet other students studying fashion and design but also includes networking with top industry professionals who can advise and help shape their careers in their own backyard here in St. Louis, Missouri.   

“I am deeply passionate about expanding access to education because talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. The Saint Louis Fashion Fund is changing that reality by supporting students with both financial resources and meaningful mentorship. It’s about equity, access, and ensuring the next generation of creatives can thrive, said Kristin Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of Edward Jones, Saint Louis Fashion Fund Board Director and Scholarship Committee Chair.

Kristin Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of Edward Jones, Saint Louis Fashion Fund Board Director and Scholarship Committee Chair

“Since our inception in 2014, Saint Louis Fashion Fund has nurtured, mentored and connected hundreds of students and up-and-coming designers with internships and job opportunities to build out St. Louis' storied history as a fashion epicenter, said Susan Sherman, Co-Founder and Saint Louis Fashion Fund Board Chair. “In addition, the Fund’s educational and community outreach has touched thousands of students and fashion creatives with programming such as our annual "Speaking of Fashion" speaker series in partnership with Washington University in St. Louis and Caleres featuring such global icons as the late Andrew Leon Talley, Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Wes Gordon and others who share their tips to success as well as their challenges to inspire and motivate students in their studies and fashion careers.

“We are most excited to award these scholarships to this next generation of fashion creatives and look forward to their contributions to our region’s vibrant and growing fashion industry,” said Sherman.          

About Saint Louis Fashion Fund

Saint Louis Fashion Fund is a nonprofit organization and serves as the leading voice and advocate for fashion in St. Louis. Our mission is to help grow, nurture, and develop the region’s fashion ecosystem through concentrated work with students, brands and fashion professionals. For more information: www.saintlouisfashionfund.org