We are excited to be partnering with Goodwill of Middle Tennessee one of the largest employers of people with disabilities, 85% of Goodwill’s workforce reports some type of disability or disadvantage. 

Service to others is integrated in our program, and seven of our sophomore and junior design students have been challenged with upcycling product from a Goodwill store of their choice.

As sustainability continues as a top trend in the retail industry, retailers and brands are adapting to stay relevant and offer sustainable solutions to their consumers. The newest sustainability trend within the retail industry is upcycling, which is reusing discarded objects or materials to create a product of higher quality or perceived value than the original. Upcycling reduces cloth and textile waste by reusing deadstock, gently used fabric and items to create new garments and products.

Designs will be revealed at the Fashion Show and sold at a Goodwill Style with Purpose event in June. Proceeds will fund education and training, for those in need. Here are some success stories of the people Goodwill serves.