YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOME A BLACKLIGHT BEGINS HERE
PLC DETROIT X Merrell X Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” SCHOLARSHIP FUND ePLC INDUSTRY CREDENTIAL COURSE
OPEN TO U.S. ADULTS 18 OR OLDER
The 2026 Merrell x Pensole Lewis College Detroit x Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund Program is a first-of-its-kind collaboration designed to open new doors for new outside perspectives. Anchored in Merrell’s new global brand platform It Starts Outside™, the program challenges emerging designers to rethink what “the outside” means— and who it belongs to.
Students will learn the history and importance of Idlewild and be tasked with designing concepts that expand access to the outdoors for communities historically left out: footwear, product systems, or expressive hybrid ideas. The program blends Merrell’s performance heritage, PLC’s design excellence and the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund’s mission to expand access, education, and real-world opportunity for emerging designers.
Who This Is For
This program is ideal for future-focused creators interested in:
- Design Thinking
- Design Research
- Cultural Storytelling
- Footwear Design
- Apparel Design
- Marketing
- Being Outside
Program Benefits
- Industry-Relevant Skills – Learn directly from designers in both the Merrell x Pensole Lewis College Detroit x Virgil Abloh™ ecosystem as well as learn how to design against a real design brief created by brand partners the design process, and design.
- Hands-on Learning – Work on real-world projects that provide practical insights into the fashion and retail industries.
- Mentorship & Guidance – Receive mentorship from industry professionals and educators, gaining valuable career advice and leadership insights.
- Skill development – Enhance critical skills in design, business, marketing, and more through interactive classes.
- Networking Opportunities – Connect with professionals, industry leaders, and fellow participants to expand your professional network.
- Career Advancement – Strengthen your resume with an experience that can open doors to future jobs and internship opportunities.
- Immersive Brand Experience – Learn about commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global business strategy.
- Professional Confidence – Build confidence in navigating the fashion industry through real-world exposure and guided support.
- Personal Growth – Develop adaptability, collaboration, and leadership skills in a fast-paced and dynamic industry environment.
Program Format
Hybrid Certificate Program (8-weeks)
Track Options: Footwear Design, Apparel Design, Product Marketing
Class Size: 30 Students
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. resident 18 years of age or older
Important Dates
- Application Period: Monday, March 2nd, 2026 – Sunday, April 6, 2026
- Class start Design PLC (Online/Virtual): Monday, June 29th
- Last day of instruction online: Friday, July 10th
- Class start Industry Credentials PLC (In-Person): Monday, July 13th
- Last day of instruction in-person: Friday, August 7th
- Class start PLC x VAPM (Hybrid In-Person): Monday, August 10th
- Last day of instruction Hybrid (in-person): Friday, August 21st
- Final Presentation Day: August, 21st
- Phase 1: Design Essentials PLC (2-weeks | Online only)
- 30 Participants
- Phase 2: Industry Credential PLC (4-weeks | In-person)
- Top 12 Participants from Phase 1
- Phase 3: PLC x VAPM (2-weeks | Hybrid)
- Top 6 Participants from Phase 2
- Phase 4: Apprenticeship at Merrell (In-Person)
- Top 3 Participants from Phase 3
