Annual Programs

annual program

BTS Academy

BTS Academy is a free, two week summer program that gets youth connected to leaders in the fashion merchandising and footwear industries, while supplementing connections with hands-on activities that foster their creativity and entrepreneurial aspirations! This specific program is unique and beneficial to the community as it promotes youth empowerment, workforce readiness, and professionalism. The second cohort of BTS Academy served 15 upcoming 10th-12th grade students from the Greater Cincinnati Area from June 5 – 16, 2023. 
 

The topics and activities featured fashion industry leaders and business owners in the community, including some nationally recognizable names and brands! We covered branding, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, footwear & apparel design, production, and sales, with a final project that allowed for students create their own brands. Each student received a free iPad & Apple accessories loaded with state of the art technology to use during the program and keep for future use! We also awarded stipends to top students in the program, including a $1,000 award that a single student received! Stipends could be used towards higher education or for students to start their own brands.

For year 2, BTS would love to extend a special thank you to: The Corporate & Bigger Than Sneakers Family, Joyia Johnson & Clark Montessori High School, Converse, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Just C & Miles Brazan Harmon (Paper Planes), Adam Laine (VMLY&R), Shailah Maynard (Sew Valley), Jeremy Sallee (Puma), Shannel Heath (Chase Bank), Ashlee Bridge (Northwestern Mutual), Dan ‘Heavy’ Donovan (DC Shoes), Taglio’s Bar + Pizzeria, SMV Cereal Bar, Larry Driscoll, Jamaal Lucas, and Ethan Bailey! 
 
Be on the lookout for BTS Academy in 2024! 
annual program

Pop Up Shop Opportunities

To continue supporting our community, BTS has partnered with Corporate to host pop up shops for small businesses and creatives. This platform creates a space to showcase their merchandise and market their businesses. This opportunity is available at both Corporate locations (Cincinnati & Indianapolis) on weekends. For more information, please contact natalie@biggerthansneakers.org.

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