Formal group photo

Scholarships from Georgia Soft Goods

The GSGEF was founded over 25 years ago and provides student scholarships and funding assistance to Fashion Merchandising students and faculty in the Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors department.

Student Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to students majoring in Fashion Merchandising in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors. Preference is given to students with an emphasis in Product Development & Design. Students will be chosen based on a combination of the following:

  • Leadership
  • GPA
  • Financial need
  • Future study abroad participant
  • Internship goals

Students should apply early in the Fall Semester for each year’s awards.

Additional scholarships can be found on the FACS Scholarships page.

Awards

  • The Charles Gilbert Study Abroad Award: Awards are made annually for study abroad programs.
  • New York Fashion Industry Summer Intern Award: A $2,500 award is given annually to a student pursuing a summer internship in NYC. 
  • The Buhler Leadership and Scholar Award: A $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually for academic achievement and leadership.
  • YMA Fashion Scholarships: Numerous $10,000 - $25,000 scholarships are awarded annually by the YMA in New York City. For more information, visit FSF Fashion Scholarships.

What We Do

We work closely with the Dean and the Faculty of the School of Family & Consumer Sciences. The Foundation funds Professorships, Scholarships, Study Abroad Programs, and other academic needs identified by the faculty. The Foundation also helps students network for internships and post-graduation employment in our industry, in fields such as design, product development, merchandising, sourcing, retailing, logistics, and quality control. The Foundation's work is funded by a trust and by other fundraising activities, such as an annual reception during Fashion Week at the University. The Foundation is governed by an open membership Board of Directors that meets twice annually at the University.

Impact

2014
  • Kaki Read, UGA alumnus and PR director for Warby Parker Eyewear, keynote speaker at the 4th GSGEF Reception
2013
  • Tosha Hays, TMI alumnus and product designer at Spanx, Inc., keynote speaker at 3rd GSGEF Reception
  • Jack Schmidt honored for his commitment to GSGEF following his retirement from the board
  • Emphasis area introduced in 2007, title changed to Product Design and Development
2011
  • Sewn Products Equipment Company donates an Inkjet Plotter for use in TXMI 3540 - CAD for Apparel Design and Production
2010
  • 1st annual GSGEF Reception
  • 1st scholarships sponsored by Lectra and Riverside
2007
  • Alecia Brooks hired to teach CAD/CAM course
  • Helped establish the CAD/CAM lab center
2006
  • Donated $500,000 to UGA in support of the GSGEF Distinguished Professor
  • Soft Goods Merchandising and Manufacturing "emphasis area" added under the FM major
  • Worked to develop courses for the Soft Goods emphasis area
  • Charlie Gilbert was hired as the GSGEF Distinguished Professor, solidifying the partnership between TMI and the GSGEF board
2004
  • Approached FACS about establishing a Soft Goods Degree Program in the TMI department

Sponsorship

The sponsorship from GSGEF provides awards and scholarships for study abroad and internships, as well as a named scholarship for 1 year. These are awarded to students majoring in FM based on leadership, GPA, financial need, future study abroad participation, and internship goals.

  • Red Sponsor - $5,000
    • 2014 Buhler
    • 2013 Buhler
    • 2011 Lectra and Buhler
    • 2010 Lectra and Riverside
  • Black Sponsor - $2,500
  • Silver Sponsor - $1,000

Photo Gallery

Georgia Soft Goods Board Meeting - April 2022

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