The Portland Fashion Institute (PFI) is a private, nonprofit nationally accredited career institute of higher learning located in Portland, Oregon. It focuses on design, technology and business connected to the fashion industry. It was founded in 2010. It is Oregon's only accredited fashion design school.[1]
| Type | Private, nonprofit higher education career institute |
|---|---|
| Established | 2010 |
| Founder | Sharon K Blair |
| Students | 865 enrolled & non-enrollees (2020–2021) |
| Location | , United States |
| Nickname | PFI |
| Website | www |
Academics edit
PFI is licensed by Oregon's Higher Education Coordinating Commission[2] and accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training,[1] because the school's teaching and programs meet rigorous educational standards. A five-member advisory board designs and refines PFI's curriculum and includes representatives from Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, Nike, Shibui Knits and VFC. All instructors are professionals who currently work in the apparel industry.[citation needed]
PFI offers three certificate programs: Apparel Designer, Apparel Technical Developer and Apparel Entrepreneur.[3][4] Apparel Design focuses on skills to start a line of clothing or work at a large apparel company. Apparel Technical Developer focuses on computer skills in Adobe and patternmaking so enrollees can work as a technical designer, materials, print or product developer, patternmaker or fit engineer. Apparel Entrepreneur teaches the skills required to build a business plan, understand the nuance of fashion buying and merchandising for wholesale, retail and e-commerce.[5][6]
In addition to the certificate programs, registrants can take every course offered by PFI as non-credit or continuing education.[7] Among the most popular series are Apparel Construction and Patternmaking where students start with the basics and move up to advanced digital design.[citation needed]
An annual scholarship[8] is offered to high school juniors and seniors with exceptional promise in fashion design. PFI has won diversity and business grants through its federal, state and local partners. Unlike some for-profit schools, PFI remains affordable. It believes in #schoolwithoutdebt with the cost of a certificate ranging from $16,000 to $19,000.[9][10]
More than 7,000 persons have studied at the school since it opened its doors.[citation needed]
In 2023, PFI became a nonprofit 501(c)(3) EIN 36-5051224.
Campus edit
PFI's campus in the Hollywood District of northeast Portland. Facilities include computers with 2D and 3D programs, a video and photography studio, workrooms, industrial sewing machines, and a design space. Half of the classes are offered online through synchronous interactive distance learning. These include lecture and computer classes. Hands-on classes are taught in-person. Through its library, enrollees have access to books, periodicals and media for every aspect of fashion design and the apparel business. Apartments and extended stay hotels are within walking distance of PFI, along with public transportation, grocery stores, restaurants, a county library, health services and entertainment.[citation needed]
PFI Supply edit
The campus includes PFI Supply which offers tools, supplies and materials for students and the general public.[citation needed]
Alumni edit
Enrollees have graduated to work at apparel manufacturers across the United States and in Europe. Some have started their own clothing companies. Graduates show collections at annual industry events that attract buyers, press and managers from top area apparel companies. PFI collaborates with industry, companies and community leaders on projects, competitions and exhibits. Participants walk through all steps of apparel production and marketing, including fashion styling and a photo shoot. PFI hosts career and portfolio shows.[11]
Alumni have found jobs at adidas, Blue Ivy, Bridge & Burn, Browzwear, Columbia Sportswear, Duchess Clothiers, Jantzen/Perry Ellis, Michael Curry Designs, Nike, Pendleton, Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, The North Face, UnderArmour, Yeezy and several other apparel companies and production houses.[12]
References edit
- ^ a b "ACCET Member Institution Directory". Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. Retrieved 2022-01-30.
Registration #1543
- ^ "Licensed private career schools" (PDF). Higher Education Coordinating Commission, Office of Academic Policy and Administration. June 18, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
- ^ "Portland Fashion Institute launches, offers certificate programs (Photos)". Portland Business Journal. June 16, 2016. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
- ^ Mollo, Elizabeth (September 1, 2017). "Portland Fashion Institute Announces Classes for Start-Up Apparel Companies". Portland Mercury. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
- ^ Kish, Matthew (Aug 22, 2014). "Portland company's classes will stitch the apparel industry together as manufacturing returns". Portland Business Journal. Retrieved 2022-02-10.
- ^ Ridgway, Cassie. "Sold Out". Portland Mercury. Retrieved 2022-02-10.
- ^ Turnquist, Kristi (2010-04-19). "Portland Sewing teaches novices and experienced stitchers how to do-it-yourself". The Oregonian/oregonlive. Retrieved 2022-01-30.
- ^ Christelle, Koumoué (July 12, 2020). "Portland Fashion Institute launches scholarship for teens". kgw.com. Retrieved 2022-01-30.
- ^ "Vanishing Higher-Ed Hasn't Put a Damper on These Portland Fashion Schools". Portland Monthly. Retrieved 2022-02-10.
- ^ "Portland Fashion Institute Doubles in Size as Other Fashion Schools Shutter". Portland Monthly. Retrieved 2022-02-10.
- ^ Basalyga, Stephanie. "Sewing up the future". Portland Monthly. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
- ^ "How I got my start (by Hannah) – Fashion-Incubator". 7 October 2008. Retrieved 2022-01-30.