TRAINING INSTITUTE

Our free training program teaches the art, craft, and business of garment-making. This selective program runs for 15 weeks, with classes meeting Monday - Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Cohort 17 applications are now closed. Sign up for our waitlist below and be the first to know when recruitment for Cohort 18 begins in Spring 2027.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  1. The applicant must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.

  2. If admitted, the applicant must be available to attend the program, Monday - Friday, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm for 15 weeks.

  3. Sewing or design experience is not required to be admitted into the program.

  4. Interested applicants must attend an Open House for their applications to be considered.

  5. Proof of government benefits is required (Ex., SNAP).

  6. Applicants must not have already attained advanced degrees.

SIGN UP FOR AN OPEN HOUSE

Attendance is required before applications will be considered.

APPLY FOR THE TRAINING INSTITUTE

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Program

Elligibility & Enrollment

Immigration, Work, & Privacy

  • We accept women and gender-expansive people.

  • We start with 12-15 participants.

  • No, our program is for women who have not had the opportunity to advance their careers or studies.

  • Custom Collaborative is free of charge to participants. We raise funds through generous partner and individual support. Because of that generosity, our expectations include regular attendance, courtesy, a willingness to learn, and full participation.

  • To be considered for the program, we require a completed application.

    To enroll, we require evidence that you receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and have either a Social Security number (SSN) or a taxpayer identification number (TIN). 

    We also ask for a brief bio and resume early in the program.

  •  No. Residency letters from supporting organizations are acceptable. Participants coming from supporting organizations without SNAP are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

  • Yes, on a case-by-case basis. However, you must meet the low-income requirements. If you are not SNAP-eligible due to immigration status, we would require your referring organization to verify your income. 

  • Submit your application!

    If you qualify, you will receive an invitation to take the English and Math assessments. English is important to pass because we only teach in English. Math is a measurement tool to assess how much you know before entering the program. Assessment dates for Cohort 17 are scheduled for October 5th and 6th at 11 AM.

    After successful completion of the assessments you will be invited back for an in-person panel interview with a mix of Custom Collaborative staff and program alumni. Interview dates for Cohort 17 are scheduled for October 12th, 15th, and 16th. You will be asked to book an hour time slot in advanced between the hours of 10 AM-3 PM.

    Shortly after the interview, selected applicants are invited to complete a 3-day orientation, a chance for everyone to assess whether the program is the right fit and what support you might need. Pre-Training Orientation for Cohort 17 is scheduled from 9 AM-3 PM on Monday, October 26th through Wednesday, October 29th.

    Cohort 17 of the Training Institute begins Monday, November 9th.

  • Yes.

  • No, the Training Institute is designed to be inclusive and supportive of diverse backgrounds.

  • No, we do not require participants to show proof of immigration status, but we do have eligibility requirements.  When you sign the application, you agree and affirm that you meet the criteria of the program and have either a social security number (SSN) or a taxpayer identification number (TIN). Once accepted to the program, we focus on your skills, dedication, and passion for fashion and entrepreneurship.

  • No, all personal information is kept strictly confidential and is used only for internal purposes. We collect only the information needed to confirm eligibility and do our work.  We do not share individual participant information unless required by law.

  • Yes, Custom Collaborative provides access to resources and referrals to trusted legal service providers who can answer specific questions about immigration and work authorization.

    You can find one here. It is available in multiple languages.

  • You do not need a work permit to participate in Custom Collaborative’s Training Institute.  For work opportunities outside of Custom Collaborative, each employer will decide on arrangements like whether to hire contractors or employees and how pay is structured.

  • While Custom Collaborative does not directly provide legal services, we can refer you to organizations that specialize in immigration and legal support. You can connect with one of those organizations using the guide here. It is available in mulitple languages.

  • Custom Collaborative does not require information about immigration status. If that happens, talk with your legal counsel.