KickNKnowledge x HSFI!
Some big names in the world of sneaker and streetwear design generously shared their time, their talent and their stories with HSFI students throughout the day today, hosting Masterclasses across all grades. Among them were graffiti artist Luis Vasquez, the newly appointed Creative Director of Packer shoes (and the oldest Nike account on the east coast) footwear and streetwear designer Mugzy McFly, and many others. Footlocker sent leaders from the West 34th Street store to teach job interview success, and Sibnavus "Sib" Cheeseman and Phillip "Midi" Williams of Shmackwich hosted a lunch and learn session, sharing their experiences in starting their own business. The day ended with the sneaker design students from the summer program doing final presentations.
This event is one of many trade collaborations led by Kate Boulamaali, HSFI's Assistant Principal of CTE (Career and Technical Education).
"Exposing our students to top industry leaders across sneaker design and the creative arts opens their eyes to vibrant career paths they might not previously imagined. We are deeply grateful to KickNKnowledge for partnering with HSFI."
KickNKnowledge is a New York City based 501 (c) (3) nonprofit and NYC DOE vendor using sneakers, fashion, streetwear and design to engage young people - especially underserved and underrepresented youth - in creative learning, skilled trades, workforce development, entrepreneurship and higher education. Their Masterclass programs connect the skills being taught to the real world by introducing students to designers, craftspeople, entrepreneurs, colleges and professionals working across sneaker, fashion and creative industries.
George Duval, Founder and President, explains, “At KickNKnowledge, we use sneaker and fashion design as a vehicle to teach young people design thinking and problem-solving. We want students to look at the world around them, identify problems and ask themselves how they can use creativity and design to develop solutions that make life better for people and their communities. Sustainability is an important part of that conversation as well. Through upcycling, we teach students to rethink materials that might otherwise be discarded and imagine how they can be transformed into something new, useful and valuable."
Students learn the entire creative process—from research and concept development to sketching, digital design, 3D design and printing, sewing, shoemaking, material selection, upcycling, branding, storytelling and presenting their ideas. "They’re learning how an idea moves from their imagination into an actual product, Mr. Duval said.