Educational Foundation

Developing future leaders

A key part of ITA’s mission is the growth and development of future industry leaders. Our member companies recognize the need to attract fresh talent and promote the growth and development of students studying textiles around the world.

From internships to mixers, our initiatives create opportunities for the long-term advancement of the industry through education and recruitment.

Learn more about ITA Educational Foundation initiatives by clicking the links below:

FOUNDERS’ SCHOLARSHIP
An annual scholarship for children of member employees, awarding $5,000 towards their education.

VIRGINIA JACKSON DESIGN COMPETITION
An annual competition to recognize the most talented students in the field of textile design (design categories include Dobby, Jacquard, and Print) and create a vehicle to bring new talent into the industry. Winners receive recognition and monetary awards up to $1,000.00 each.

COVER COMPETITION
An opportunity awarded twice a year to a talented textile design student. The winning student and school receives exposure in the Interwoven Textile Fair by ITA Show Guide and Magazine. The winning student receives a monetary award of $500.00.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The ITA Educational Foundation assists member companies in securing interns and providing up to a $2,000 stipend.

INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP
Our sponsored international internship encompasses 8 weeks at an international mill of one of our members, working alongside a skilled design team. Additional information coming soon!

DOWNLOAD ONE-SHEET OF ITA EF INITIATIVES

Thank You

TO THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR DONORS &
FRIENDS OF THE ITA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Kathy Carr Rickwood in memory of Harold A. Deal Jr.
John Kearns/Mendy Kearns in memory of Bill Pines
John J Eger/Eileen Eger in memory of Bert Rau
Friends and Family of Thayer Coggin in memory of Bert Rau

John J. Glasheen, Jr. and Jennifer O. Glasheen,
John and Patricia Seymour, J. Donald and Miriam E. Frail,
John and Mendy Kearns, Gregory G. and Angela P.
Meredith, Anne W. and Taylor Hood, Dora F. Tedder,
Russell L. Mendenhall, Kathy Carr Rickwood.

FOUNDATION FACTS

  • As part of its ongoing vision to support the growth of the textile industry through education, ITA donated $100,000 in 2017 to Jefferson University (the newly named institution resulting from the merging of Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University). In recognition of this award, the textile design studio has been named the ITA Textile Design Collaborative Studio.
  • For many years, the ITA hosted an industry tour for students from schools across the country. The three-day tour offered them an inside look at the textile industry from concept to consumer through visits to textile mills, design studios, upholstery manufacturers and printing facilities.
  • The ITA Educational Foundation facilitates interns working for our member companies.
  • The cover design for each Show Guide is designed by a student in a textile design program. The bi-annual cover competition typically receives more than 30 student submissions per contest. The winner and their school are recognized in Interwoven publications.
  • The Virginia Jackson Design Competition was established in 1995 to recognize the most talented students in the field of textile design and creates a vehicle to bring new talent into the industry. The VJDC receives more than 50 submissions from students across the country in three categories: Jacquard, Dobby and Print.
  • The Founders’ Scholarship was established in 2015 in honor of the founding members of the ITA. The first scholarship was awarded in 2016.

Committee Members

  • Tammy Buckner, Culp
  • Jack Eger, Crypton
  • John Kearns, Hamilton Fabrics
  • Wesley Mancini, Valdese Weavers
  • Katie Smarr, Crypton

If you would like to donate to the ITA Educational
Foundation, click the link below to send us an email.

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