FUTURE SOLE, PLC POWERED BY NIKE 3.0: DISCOVERING HBCU TALENT & DEVELOPING DESIGN EXCELLENCE
Future Sole, is a FREE exclusive, industry – certified ONLINE design experience unlocking opportunities for HBCU students to discover, develop, and empower their creative potential. Through direct access to design professionals and exposure to design process, students gain hands – on experience and build transferable skills that prepare them for leadership in any industry. This structured 5 – stage program: Tryouts, Pre Camp, Training Camp, Selection Day and Game Day – creates a pipeline of diverse, industry – ready talent, strengthening partnerships between HBCU and global brands. Those that complete the program, will be placed in a talent pool of PLC – produced creatives, opening doors to future career opportunities.
* Participation in this program does not guarantee eligibility or acceptance for any internships or apprenticeship. NIKE reserves the right to offer any internship at their sole and absolute discretion.
Program Details
Format: Online
Application Period: February 9, 2026 – April 12, 2026
DESIGN TRACK DISCIPLINES
Apparel Design
Color Graphics Design
2D Footwear Design
Product Marketing Design
PROGRAM TIMELINE (PHASES)
• RD 1: Tryouts – Application Window
Monday, February 9, 2026 – Friday, April 12, 2026
• RD 2: Pre-Camp – 3 Week Online Self Pace Fundamentals
Monday, April 27, 2026 – Friday, May 15, 2026
• RD 3: Training Camp – 5 Week Online Project
Monday June 1, 2026 – Friday July 3, 2026
• RD 4: Selection Day – 1 Day Game Day Round Participant Selection
Thursday, July 16, 2026
• RD 5: Game Day – 1 Week In Person Project Development Experience at PLC
Monday, September 7, 2026 – Saturday September 12, 2026
*PRIZE INCENTIVE FOR PARTICIPATING PROFESSORS + STUDENTS
For Participating Professors:
- Top 3 Professors with the most referred students with completed application + submission will receive a prize package to attend this year’s 2026 HBCU Professor Retreat @PLC.
- Details of announcement and prize package will be shared with top professors after application window closes.
For Participating Students:
- Throughout program participation, students will compete for the opportunity to be selected for the Game Day Experience @PLC.
- Game Day student selection will be announced during the Selection Day Phase.
Game Day Experience:
- 1 week Project Concept Prototype Development Experience @PLC: Experience covers Flight, Hotel, Transportation + Food
- VIP Access to this year’s the Black Footwear Forum 2026 Entry + Events
- Invitation to meet and showcase work to NIKE Recruitment Team during the Black Footwear Forum 2026
