Who does your donation support?

As of Fall 2023, LIM College students come from 48 U.S. states and 33 different countries. Approximately 50% identify as people of color; 88% identify as female; more than half of our students are the first to graduate college while more than 80% qualify for financial aid. Scholarship recipients reflect the demographics of the LIM College student body.

LIM College Student Data

The Class of 2023 had a 97% Career Outcomes rate, meaning that 97% were working in the business of fashion and lifestyle or continuing their education within six months of graduating. LIM graduates go on to successful careers in areas such as consumer analytics, media, merchandising, supply chain management, marketing, and more.

“[A scholarship] enables me to dedicate myself fully to my academic journey and reach my potential... it has not only transformed by perspective as a student but has also laid the foundation for my professional journey, emphasizing the importance of aiming high and continually pushing my limits.”

Lara K.

 
woman with glasses in business attire
“Receiving FEF Scholarships has helped my mother and I financially and has allowed me to focus more of my attention on my studies and my career.”

Lance B.

Marketing, Brick, NJ

Lance B

How does your donation make a difference?

LIM FEF’s funds are raised through support from individuals, alumni, businesses and special events. Our Foundation is small, with only one paid staff member whose compensation is covered through our endowment. Therefore, more than 95% of funds raised are awarded to students.

Scholarship Award Initiative

LIM FEF awards approximately 25 scholarships each year, ranging from $750-$16,000. In 2025, we awarded 15 additional scholarships of $5,000 each. Students qualify for these scholarships based on financial need and/or grade point average and can receive more than one scholarship award.

Scholarships help a student with one or more of the following:

  • Living expenses: Basic living expenses such as housing, food and transportation, books and supplies and personal expenses total approximately $27,000 per year.
  • Supplementing internship income while they earn their degree: All students in four-year programs are required to complete at least three internships. While there has been a decline in unpaid internships over the past 15 years, nearly half of all internships by LIM College students are unpaid.
  • Supplementing travel expenses for studying abroad: LIM College offers semester-long exchange programs in several different countries, including Australia, England, France, The Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, Taiwan, and Vietnam. In addition to what they learn in the classroom, students experience new cultures and ways of conducting business first-hand, which leads to the development of a more informed perspective of the world.

Annual indirect cost of living for a student are estimated at about $27,000 and include:

  • Basic cost of living: $1,500
  • Food: $6,000 
  • Transportation: $1,200
  • Housing: $17,026
  • Books and supplies: $900

It is our goal to provide scholarships that offset the cost of at least one of these areas so students can focus on their studies without worrying about their financial situation.

About Educational Enhancements

Experiential learning is integral to LIM students' college experience. Undergraduate students in 4-year programs are required to complete 3 internship experiences for academic credit. Graduate students may complete between 1-3 internships. This learning-by-doing experience is vital for career development.

In addition, we seek to fund educational enhancements that directly benefit LIM College students. These may include, but are not limited to;

  • Building on study abroad and exchange programs to offer students more opportunities to travel and learn abroad. Since today’s fashion industry is truly global, it is critical for students who wish to pursue careers in the industry to become more globally aware.
Cheya Thousand Resilience Scholarship

Cheya Thousand is a purpose-driven leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for resilience, emotional intelligence, and personal growth. As an alumna of LIM College ‘09, she understands firsthand the power of education in transforming lives. From navigating the challenges of being a full student and working full time to building a successful business, CT Wellness Co., Cheya has dedicated her career to helping others thrive—both personally and professionally.

The Cheya Thousand Resilience Scholarship is a $10,000 fund awarded over five years to deserving students who demonstrate resilience, leadership, and a commitment to their dreams. Each year students will receive financial support in denominations of $500, $1,000, or $1,500, with a maximum award of $2,000 annually.

This scholarship is designed to provide not just financial assistance, but also encouragement—reminding students that resilience, dedication, and self-belief are keys to success.For more information on this initiative contact Carolyn Sharaway, Director of Development at carolyn.sharaway@limfef.org.

To Learn More or Donate Click Here 

Cheya Thousand Resilience Scholarship
Cheya Thousand

Industry Relationships

LIM FEF enjoys many successful relationships within the fashion industry.

  • AEO has supported our efforts with various sponsorships and grants. We honored Jen Foyle, AE + Aerie, President, Executive Creative Director at our 1st annual Fashion Forward Awards event in 2023.
  • American Eagle & Aerie hosted a Give2Get event at a SoHo store, donating a percentage of proceeds to the LIM FEF.
  • Kendra Scott hosted a GivetoGet event at their SoHo store. They also participated as a vendor at the 2024 LIM College Fashion Show, selling merchandise and donating a percentage of sales to the LIM FEF.
  • Ferragamo hosted a GivetoGet event in 2023, donating a percentage of sales to the LIM FEF.
  • Todd Snyder was honored at our 2nd annual Fashion Forward Award event in 2024.
  • Barney’s hosted a GivetoGet event in 2022, in which a percentage of proceeds were donated to the LIM FEF.
  • In-kind donors for our silent auctions have included Bombas (David Heath), Todd Snyder, Ranger Station and GoodMRKT.
  • Various donors have established endowments for scholarships.