Developing future leaders

A key part of ITA’s mission is the growth and development of future industry leaders. Our member companies recognize the need to attract fresh talent and promote the growth and development of students studying textiles around the world.

From internships to mixers, our initiatives create opportunities for the long-term advancement of the industry through education and recruitment.

Learn more about ITA Educational Foundation initiatives by clicking the links below:

FOUNDERS’ SCHOLARSHIP
Created in 2015 by the ITA Board of Directors and the Educational Foundation, this annual scholarship honors our founding members while investing in the next generation. Offered exclusively to children of ITA members, the scholarship helps students take the next step toward a future in the textile industry.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The ITA Educational Foundation makes it possible for member companies to welcome fresh talent through intern placement support and financial stipends. By connecting students with member sponsors, this program allows young people to explore diverse career paths in textiles while providing companies with tomorrow’s leaders.

INDUSTRY TOUR
A three-day immersive journey that takes students inside working mills, archives, and showrooms to experience the home textile industry first-hand. Along the way, students participate in a networking dinner and portfolio review, gaining valuable feedback and building connections that help launch their careers.

EDUCATIONAL GRANTS
In 2025, the ITA Educational Foundation awarded a $50,000 to Thomas Jefferson University to advance residential textile design education.

VIRGINIA JACKSON DESIGN COMPETITION
Celebrating the brightest rising stars in textile design, this annual competition features categories in Dobby, Jacquard, and Print. Winners receive monetary awards, national recognition, and for first-place recipients—an invitation to Interwoven, where they gain industry exposure and invaluable networking opportunities.

COVER COMPETITION
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for design students: the winning creation becomes the cover of the Interwoven Show Guide. The student and their school receive a monetary award, along with industry-wide recognition that launches careers and inspires future designers.

Weaving Futures - Friends of ITA