Three Hampton University Students Named 2026 Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholars, Awarded $10,000 Fashion Scholarship Fund Scholarships
Hampton, VA – (February 16, 2026) – Hampton University is proud to announce that three exceptional students have been selected as 2026 Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholars by the Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF), each receiving a $10,000 scholarship. The recipients are Ahmere Harper (Scripps Howard School of Journalism), Kendra Hill (James T. George School of Business), and Camryn Swain (James T. George School of Business).
The students were selected through FSF’s competitive annual case study competition and will be honored at the 2026 FSF Gala on March 23rd in New York City.
About the Fashion Scholarship Fund
The Fashion Scholarship Fund is the foremost fashion-oriented education and workforce development nonprofit in the U.S. Founded in 1937, FSF works directly with the country’s most talented young students from diverse backgrounds and awards over $1.9 million each year in scholarships to help these students succeed in all sectors of the industry, including design and product development, merchandising, marketing, and business strategy. The FSF provides scholars with internship and career opportunities, mentorship, networking, professional development, and access to the industry’s most influential leaders and companies.
The Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholarship Program
The Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund was created in 2020 by late fashion industry icon Virgil Abloh to foster equity and inclusion in the fashion industry. The Fund’s mission is to expand opportunities by providing scholarships to students who identify as Black or African American and those who reflect the creativity, curiosity, and progressive spirit that drive this work forward. Abloh named the fund “Post-Modern” to signify that recipients receive not only financial support but also access to vital career support services and mentoring throughout their careers.
Faculty Support and Case Study Excellence
Dr. Natalie Baucum, Assistant Professor of Marketing in the James T. George School of Business, served as the faculty advisor for FSF and worked with the recipients on their case study submissions. The case study competition requires students to develop comprehensive solutions to real-world fashion industry challenges across areas such as business strategy, design and product development, marketing, or supply chain.
“These students demonstrated exceptional talent, creativity, and strategic thinking in their case study submissions,” said Dr. Baucum. “I am incredibly proud of their achievements and know they will make significant contributions to the fashion industry.”
Benefits for Scholars
As 2026 Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholars, Harper, Hill, and Swain will receive:
-$10,000 in scholarship support
-Access to a year-long workforce preparedness and career awareness curriculum
-Industry mentorship opportunities
-Connections to internships and full-time employment with leading fashion companies
-Invitation to the annual FSF Awards Gala in New York City (with travel and accommodations provided)
-Ongoing professional development and networking opportunities throughout their careers
-Access to the FSF Alumni network and future opportunities, including the FSF Alumni Dream Grant program
Apply for the 2027 Competition
Applications for the 2027 FSF Case Study Competition will open in March 2026. Hampton University students interested in applying should contact Dr. Natalie Baucum at natalie.baucum@hamptonu.edu for guidance and support.
