With help from StockX and the Detroit Pistons, Pensole Lewis College (PLC Detroit) is set to launch a free evening education program for locals.
In January 2025, PLC Detroit — the only design-focused Historically Black College and University (HBCU) — will debut PLC Light School. This free evening program, according to a statement, is open to Detroit residents and will offer the knowledge needed “to increase diversity and highlight opportunities in the design industry by offering accessible, hands-on career education.”
PLC Light School, according to a statement, will offer the flexibility needed for those adults with daytime work or family commitments “to gain new skills or enhance existing ones.”
“PLC Light School is a new initiative for PLC birthed from the Detroit community’s desire for accessible design education,” PLC Detroit president Dr. D’Wayne Edwards said in a statement. “We are excited to partner with respected Detroit organizations like StockX and the Detroit Pistons as they are committed to empowering creatives and future professionals in Detroit.”
It is a seven-week, in-person program open to Metro Detroit residents who are either a high school graduate or an adult 18 or older. The program will be held Mondays and Thursdays, from 5:30 p.m. ET to 8:30 p.m. ET. It will begin Jan. 27, 2025, and conclude on March 13, 2025.
It will be led by industry experts from PLC Detroit, StockX, the Detroit Pistons, Carhartt and other Michigan-based creatives. The deadline to apply is Dec. 29 at 11:59 p.m. ET, and interested applicants can apply via PLCdetroit.com/lightschool.
This program offers project-based curriculum, which PLC Detroit explained, is “aimed at providing a learning experience focused on tangible careers and the exploration of alternative career paths through practical skills and real-world applications.”
Career classes available are Accessories Design, Apparel Design, Footwear Design, Graphics, Product Marketing, Social Marketing and Web Design.
Students will showcase their final projects to representatives from PLC Detroit, StockX and the Detroit Pistons, according to a statement, and the selected projects will be considered for production and sold via StockX. The proceeds will then be reinvested into the program.
“The Detroit Pistons are proud to partner with Pensole Lewis College and StockX to help launch and power the PLC Light School,” Detroit Pistons vice president of brand and marketing strategy Bilal Saeed said in a statement. “This initiative aligns with our commitment to foster diversity and provide opportunities for Detroit residents. By partnering with PLC Detroit to support this free, hands-on career education program, we aim to empower the next generation of creative leaders and support the unique interests of our vibrant community.”
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
