Progress 04/15/23 to 04/14/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience reached during this reporting period includes students enrolled in Apparel Merchandising and Textiles (AMTX) at Southern University and A&M College (SUBR) as well as middle and high school students in nearby schools and parishes. For this reporting period, five (6) AMTX undergraduate students participated in The FAB Fellows Leadership Program. Each student participating in the FAB Fellows program received a stiped as well as mentorship and other resources to assist them in starting their own fashion business. Students participating in this program will gainleadership experience as well during the 2-week FAB Lab Youth LeaderJuship Program summer camp held from June 3, 2024- June 2023. Studentsparticipatingin the camp will learn sewing, fashion and entrepreneurship skills. The FAB Lab also partnered with 4-H Youth Development to offer more opportunities for middle and high school aged students to learn sewing, fashion and entreprenurship skills through The EBR 4-H FAB Lab Sewing Club. The sewing club, open to all 4- H members and FAB LAB Youth, started in October 2023 and meets once a month throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. The club currently has 16 members. The FAB Lab Entrepreneurs Program has begun programing for members of the community with the FAB Friday's workshop series "Projects to Sew and Sell". These workshops are for adults and children over the age of 12. The first workshop was held on February 23, 2024 with 6 participants in attendance, the next two workshops will take place on March 29, 2024 and April 26, 2024. The participants learn how to operate a sewing machine and make profitable sewing projects. Changes/Problems:The PD has requested a no-cost extension for this grant project. The justification for this extension include: Unforeseen Circumstances:The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the project's timeline and implementation. Restrictions on in-person activities, delays in procurement of equipment, and disruptions in educational programs necessitated adjustments to the project plan. Also, difficulties in securing adequate space on campus early on due to renovations of Southern Ag center buildings has impacted the timeline and implementation of this project. These unforeseen circumstances have hindered the project's progress and require additional time to achieve the desired outcomes. Complexity of Project Activities:The multifaceted nature of the project, which includes the implementation of various programs such as the FAB Fellows Leadership Program, FAB Youth Leaders, FAB Entrepreneurs, and the FAB Certificate Program, requires meticulous planning and execution. The intricacies involved in coordinating these programs, engaging with diverse community members, and ensuring the quality of deliverables have contributed to the need for an extension to complete all activities successfully. Community Engagement and Impact:The project's focus on supporting underrepresented populations, including women, people of color, older populations, and those in rural areas of Louisiana, necessitates thorough community engagement and outreach efforts. Building sustainable relationships, fostering entrepreneurship skills, and promoting fashion and apparel education among these groups require additional time and resources to achieve meaningful impact. Achievement of Project Objectives:While significant progress has been made in program implementation, including the successful execution of the FAB LAB Youth Leadership Program, the FAB Lab Fellows Program and The FAB Entrepreneurs Program and partnerships with organizations like East Baton Rouge 4-H, there are remaining objectives that need to be accomplished. These include the development of the FAB Certificate, continued recruitment of FAB Fellows and Youth Leaders, and the continuation of workshops and short courses for FAB Entrepreneurs. Extending the project timeline will ensure the completion of these critical activities. Dissemination and Knowledge Sharing:The dissemination of project findings, research presentations at national conferences, publication in Futurum Magazine, and media coverage have been instrumental in raising awareness about the project's impact and outcomes. Extending the project duration will allow for further dissemination efforts, knowledge sharing, and the publication of full research papers to reach a wider audience and maximize the project's visibility and influence. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The FAB Lab Fellows participated in a special project where they were commissioned to design a Bayou classic jacket for Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, the Commissioner of Higher Education in Louisiana. Dr. Reed wanted the jacket to incorporate aspects of Southern University and Grambling University with gold accents to signify the Bayou Classic's 50thAnniversary. The FAB Fellows and The PD were interviewed on the LA Board or Regents podcast to discuss their experience making the jacket and with being a part of the FAB Lab Fellows Leadership Program. The FAB LAB project was featured at Louisisna HBCU Day at the Capital. This professional development opportunity resulted in recognition of the FAB LAB among community constuites and local and state government representatives and elected officials. The custom Bayou Classic blazer designed for the Commissioner of Higher Education by the FAB Fellows was on display during the event and will also be placed in the HBCU exhibit at Capital Park Museum located in downtown Baton Rouge, LA. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Press coverage of the FAB LAB Youth Leadership Program includes: SU College of Ag Holds Its Inaugural FAB Lab Camp. (2023 August). Chancellor's Report. https://www.suagcenter.com/assets/suag/Docs/Seeds-of-SUccess-Chancellors-Report_Vol21- No18_8-16-23.pdf Knox, J. (Reporter). (2023, July 28). https://www.brproud.com/news/new-fashion-camp-allows children-to-channel-their-inner-vogue/New Fashion camp allows children to channel their inner vogue. The PD also appeared on FOX44 News in Baton Rouge to inform the community about the FAB LAB grant project and the FAB LAB Youth Leadership Program summer camp. Press coverage of the EBR 4-H FAB Lab Sewing Club includes: The College of Ag's FAB Lab has partnered with the East Baton Rouge Parish 4-H to hold a Sewing Club. (2023 December). Chancellor's Report. Seeds-of-SUccess-Chancellors-Report_Vol21-No22_11-29-23-2_Dec.pdf (suagcenter.com) Press Coverage of the FAB Lab Fellows designing the 50thAnniversary Bayou Classic Jacket for Louisiana's Commissioner of Higher Education, Dr. Kim Reed includes: Golden, B. (Host). (2023, November 25). Southern's Fab Lab (No. 19) [Audio podcast episode]. In Louisiana's Got Talent. Louisiana Board of Regents. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lgtpodcast/episodes/Southerns-Fab-Lab-e2ccdmd FAB Lab Students Designed a Jacket for the Commissioner of Higher Education, Dr. Kim Hunter Reed. (2024, January). https://www.suagcenter.com/assets/suag/Docs/Seeds-of-SUccess-Chancellors-Report_FOR-WEB_1-5-24final.pdf What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Further progress to be made includes full paper publications as well as continued development of The FAB Certificate. The FAB Lab aims to prepare at minimum, 30 minority high school students and 15 Southern University students to meet fashion and apparel entrepreneurship workforce demands. So far the FAB Lab has reached 24 middle school and high school aged youth through the FAB Lab Youth Leadership Program, 6 Southern University students through the FAB Lab Fellows Leadership Program and 4 community members through the FAB Lab Entrepreneurs Program. By the end of the project, the PD's seeks to increase Southern University Apparel Merchandising and Textiles program student enrollment by 30% and student retention by 30% Also, through the grant program the PD seeks to increase the number of fashion and apparel start-ups among underserved populations in the Baton Rouge and surrounding rural areas by 50%.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goals Accomplished Under Objective #1: Six Southern University students who are a part of the FAB LAB Fellows Leadership Program volunteered at the camp gaining valuable leadership skills and experience. A second FAB LAB summer camp is planned for summer 2024. FAB Fellows participated in the FAB Lab Winter Showcase and Holiday Pop Up Shop held on December 2, 2024 at the Southern University Museum of Art. The students showcased their current and in progress projects created through the FAB LAB. The students also showcased their entrepreneurial acumenat the the student ran retail pop up shop where they sold some of their custom and handmade fashion, jewelry and accessories. Goals Accomplished Under Objective #2: The first FAB LAB Youth Leadership Program Summer Camp was held from July 17, 2023 to July 28, 2023. Twelve youth ages 12 - 18 Participated in the camp where they learned about textiles, fashion design and apparel entrepreneurship. The second FAB LAB Youth Leadership Program Summer Camp will take place June 3, 2024 - June 14, 2024. The FAB LAB Youth Leadership Program partnered with East Baton Rouge 4-H Youth Development to host the EBR 4-H FAB LAB Sewing Club beginning on October 17, 2023. The club now meets monthly through the efforts of the PD in collaboration with Ms. Brandi Brister, Associate Extension Agent and the FAB Lab fellows volunteering their time. This partnership allows the FAB LAB to work with an additional twelve (12) youth ages 10 to 18 in Baton Rouge teaching sewing concepts such as; sewing by hand, threading and operating a sewing machine, as well as fashion design and entrepreneurship skills. In addition, the participants have the opportunity to participate in State Competitions at 4-H University held at Louisiana State University (LSU). The EBR 4-H FAB Lab Sewing Club will is planned to continue throughout the 2024/2025 academic year as well. Goals Accomplished Under Objective #3: Ongoing Goals Accomplished Under Objective #4: The FAB Lab Entrepreneurs Program has begun programing for members of the community with the FAB Friday's workshop series "Projects to Sew and Sell". These workshops are for adults and children over the age of 12. The first workshop was held on February 23, 2023 with plans for a workshop to take place every month throughout the academic year as well as the summer months. The participants learn how to operate a sewing machine and make profitable sewing projects.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Fabulous and Fashionable: How the FAB Lab is Encouraging Fashion Entrepreneurs. (2023, August 24) Futurumcareers.com. https://futurumcareers.com/fabulous-and-fashionable-how-the-fab-lab-isencouraging-fashion-entrepreneurs. https://futurumcareers.com/Issue-22.pdf
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Eulanda, E. (Host). (2024, March 14). Innovation in Family and Human Sciences with Dr. Samii Kennedy Benson (No. 12) [Video Podcast episode]. In INNOVATION Insights. YouTube. https://youtu.be/dws1rEQByTg?si=Y8pBAcqOAbAq-yE8
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Eulanda, E. (Host). (2024, March 14). Innovation in Family and Human Sciences with Dr. Samii Kennedy Benson (No. 12) [Audio Podcast episode]. In INNOVATION Insights. Apple Podcast. https://youtu.be/dws1rEQByTg?si=Y8pBAcqOAbAq-yE8
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Progress 04/15/22 to 04/14/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience reached during this reporting period includes students enrolled in Apparel Merchandising and Textiles (AMTX) at Southern University and A&M College (SUBR) as well as middle and high school students in nearby schools and parishes. For this reporting period, five (5) AMTX undergraduate students participated in The FAB Fellows Leadership Program. Each student participating in the FAB Fellows program received a stiped as well as mentorship and other resources to assist them in starting their own fashion business. Students participating in this program gained leadership experience as well during the 2-week FAB Lab Youth Leadreship Program summer camp held from July 17 2023 - July 28, 2023. Twelve (12) students participated in the camp where they learned sewing, fashion and entrepreneurshipskills. The FAB Lab also partnered with 4-H Youth Development to offer more opportunities for middle and high school aged students to learn sewing, fashion and entreprenurship skills through The EBR 4-H FAB Lab Sewing Club. The sewing club, open to all 4-H members and FAB LAB Youth, started in October 2023 and meets once a month throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. The club currently has 16 members. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Students wereprovided the opportunity to attend and participate in several professional conferences to present their work including the LSU & SU Joint Conference as well as the Center of Excellence Symposium held at Southern University. The FAB LAB students have a Winter showcase and pop-up shop to present their ongoing projects and a Spring Fashion show planned. The students also had oportunities to develop their leadership skills at both the youth summer camp and the sewing club meetings held throughout the semester. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Project Director and Students participating in the FAB Fellows program presented theirwork at professional conferences including the LSU &Southern University Joint Annual Conference as well as the Center of Excellence for Nutrition, Health, Welness and Quality of Life. Students also had several opportunities to present their work to the local communityvia on campus pop-up shops and showcases. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?• Complete the FAB Lab and ensure that it is fully equipped for students and community members to utilize. • Provide more professional development and training opportunities for students. • Assess and report students and other participants progress regarding entrepreneurial competency as they matriculate through the FAB Lab programs. • Recruit five (5) more AMTX undergraduate students to participate in the FAB Leaders program. • Work closely with nearby high schools to recruit local underserved students for the Future Fab Leaders program. • Launch The FAB Certificate program and enroll at least 10 community members/ students.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During this reporting period, significant progress was made towards accomplishing Objectives 1, 2, 3 and 4. Objective 1: Five Southern University students enrolled in the AMTX program were able to receive educational and financial support in meeting their fashion and apparel entrepreneurship goals. Eachreceived a stipend, mentorship and assistance with the development of their fashion line or apparel business. The students had access to design space and other resources as well. The students were able to showcase their work in progress at the first FAB LAB Winter Showcase and Holiday Pop up Shop held on Saturday,December 2, from 4pm to 7pm in the Southern University Museum of Art. A full fashion show is being planned for the Spring 2024 semester. The students also participated in a collaborative project in which they designed a special blazer for Lousiana's Commissioner of Higer Education, Dr. Kim Hunter Reed for the 50th Annual Bayou Classic. The custom madejacket featuredJaguar Print and Tiger Print to represent both Southern University and A&M College as well as Grambling State University. Objective 2: The FAB Lab has served 28minority middle and high school students via two programs teaching sewing, fashion and entrepreneurship skills. The FAB Lab Youth Leadership Program Summer Camp was attended by 12 students during the 2-week long camp held from July 17 - July 28,2023. The FAB Lab also partnered with East Baton Rouge Parish 4-H Youth Development to host The EBR 4-H FAB Lab Sewing Club. The sewing club has 16 members and meets monthly at Southern University and A&M College. Objective 3:The FAB Lab has played a signifigant role instudent recruitment and retention for the Fashion Merchandising, Design and Textiles program (formerly AMTX) by enhancing thecurriculum. In addition to the fashion merchandising curriculum that the students already receive, the additional entrepreneurial and leadership educationprovides student with a more well-rounded curriculumthat will benefit them as they matriculate to graduation and countinue to develop their own businesses. Objective 4:The FAB Lab has succeeded in launching programs toincrease fashion and apparel entrepreneurship among underserved populationsto strengthen community and economic development. These programs include The FAB Lab Youth Leadership Summer Camp as well as The EBR 4-H FAB LAB Sewing Club.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Jordan, T. & Benson, S. K. (2023, March). H.E.R. Weekend: A student Start-up At Southern's FAB Lab. 1890 Center of Excellence for Nutrition, Health Wellness and Quality of Life 2023 Symposium. Southern University and A&M College. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Marks, D. & Benson, S. K. (2023, March). Louisiana Pride: A Student Start-up At Southern's FAB Lab. 1890 Center of Excellence for Nutrition, Health Wellness and Quality of Life 2023 Symposium. Southern University and A&M College. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Marks, D. & Benson, S.K. (2022, December). Louisiana Prode: Rep Yo' Team from the Stadium to the Stove. 2022 LSU & SU Joint Annual Conference. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Benson, S.K. (2022, December). Becoming FAB: Designing the Fashion and Business Laboratory (FAB Lab) at Southern University and A&M College. 2022 LSU & SU Joint Annual Conference. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Golden, B. (Host). (2023, November 25). Southern's FAB Lab (No. 19) [Audio Podcast episode]. In Louisiana's Got Talent. Louisian Board of Regents. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4s0mmnHkTF24SdLnACaFK3
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Progress 04/15/21 to 04/14/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience reached during this reporting period include students enrolled in Apparel Merchandising and Textiles (AMTX) at Southern University and A&M College (SUBR) wishing to start or improve on an existing fashion, apparel and/or textiles related small business. For this reporting period, five (5) AMTX undergraduate students were recruited to participate in The FAB Fellows Leadership Program. The goal of the program is tosupport 15 undergraduate students (5 each year) in the development of a fashion line or apparel business. Students participating in this program gain leadership experience and receive the FAB fellowship over the duration of the project. Changes/Problems:In regards to the progress of grant titled: "The FAB Lab: The Southern University Fashion and Business Incubator to Increase Underrepresented Populations in Apparel Merchandising and Textiles Industry Entrepreneurship", there have been some programmatic delays experienced by the program director. Due to the purpose of the grant, to develop a business incubator focused on fashion design and apparel entrepreneurship, a dedicated space is needed to house the actual lab. The space is needed as "the FAB Lab will provide up-to-date equipment, tools, materials and resources usually unobtainable to rural residents to foster the development of sustainable fashion and apparel businesses within the region." Due to recent space and renovation issues occurring on the campus of Southern University and The Southern University Ag Center's campus, the PD was unable to use the original space that was dedicated to The Fab Lab as stated in the grant narrative. Starting in the Summer of 2021, Pinkie E. Thrift Hall, where the PD had planned to house The Fab Lab, was needed to accommodate several faculty members and administration from other buildings as they were undergoing significant renovations. As a result, the space dedicated for The FAB Lab was no longer available. The PD consulted with administrators about this space issue and spent several weeks looking for alternative space on campus and off campus as well to no avail. Thanks to the completion of some renovations in the other buildings the PD was recently informedthat a space in Pinkie E. Thrift Hall had become available for The Fab LAB. The PD will now spend this summer 2022 to use the allocated award funds to purchase furnishings and equipment to develop the FAB LAB business incubator. In the time that the PD was seeking a location to actually house the FAB Lab. Significant progress was made in regards to creating programming and curriculum for the grant project. The PD has also begin to disseminate information about the grant project at national conferences. Recently two academic posters were presented at the 1890 Association of Research Directors Symposium held in Atlanta, GA and another poster was presented at the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Conference held in Orlando, FL this past summer, June 2022. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Various networking events, lectures, panels, guest speakers from fashion industry, fashion showcases, fashion line and portfolio reviews, and training sessions were offered for students. Students were also provided the opportunity to attend and participate in several professional conferences to present their work. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Students presented their work at professional conferences including: The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Annual Conference and the 1890 Association of Research Directors (ARD) Symposium. Students had several opportunities to present their work to the local community as well via on campus pop-up shops and showcases. Students created websites and social media pages to present their work to the public as well What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next reporting period weplan to: Complete the FAB Lab and ensure that it is fully equipped for students and community members to utilize. Provide more professional development and training opportunities for students. Assess and report students and other participants progress regarding entrepreneurial competency as they matriculate through the FAB Lab programs. Recruit five (5) more AMTX undergraduate students to participate in the FAB Leaders program. Work closely with nearby high schools to recruit local underserved students for the Future Fab Leaders program. Launch The FAB Certificate program and enroll at least 10 community members/ students.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During this reporting period, significant progress was made towards accomplishing Objectives 1 and 3. Five Southern University students enrolled in the AMTX program were able to receive educational and financial support in meeting their fashion and apparel entrepreneurship goals. The qualifications for the FAB Fellows Leadership program include junior or senior classification in the AMTX program, submission of a fashion/apparel portfolio, a written essay, leadership skills and academic excellence. The FAB Leaders received a stipend, mentorship and assistance with the development of their fashion line or apparel business. The students had access to design space and other resources as well. The Southern Niche retail boutique also provided a platform for students to market and sell their line. FAB Leaders will also work as summer camp counselors assisting the project team with activities involving The FAB Youth Leadership program. The students were able to create prototype sample garments for their respective fashion lines to be manufactured for sale. Students were also able to develop their business plans, business website and promotional materials. Through the Fab Lab, the students received entrepreneurship education, as well as, leadership skills that will help them as they continue to develop their businesses.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Benson, S. & Jordan, T. (April 2022). The FAB Fellows Leadership Program. Association of 1890 Research Directors Conference. Atlanta, Georgia.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Benson, S. (April, 2022) The FAB Lab: The Southern University Fashion and Business Incubator to Increase Underrepresented Populations in Apparel Merchandising and Textiles Industry Entrepreneurship. Association of 1890 Research Directors Conference. Atlanta, Georgia.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Benson, S. & Jordan, T. (June 2022). H.E.R. Weekend: A Faith-Based, Student-Ran Start-up in the Pre-Incubation Phase at Southern
Universitys FAB LAB. American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Conference. Orlando, Florida.
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