UPDATE JUNE 20, 2024: The 2024 HBCU Design Challenge is now closed. Congratulations to first-place winner Trajan Baker, a graduate student at Hampton University pursuing a master’s degree in architecture, and second-place winner Dennis Samuel, a student at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Stay tuned to see the winning designs.
JCPenney is proud to announce our fourth annual HBCU Design Challenge, created to give full-time students enrolled at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) an opportunity to showcase their creativity across our stores and online platforms. Students can also earn scholarship funds and receive dedicated mentorship as they pursue their long-term career goals.
DEADLINE NOW EXTENDED & PRIZES ARE BETTER THAN EVER: We are now accepting submissions until Sunday, May 5 at 11:59pm CST. Plus, we’re excited to announce its partnership with Collection by Michael Strahan.
What’s New:
- Deadline is now extended. Submit your design by Sunday, May 5 at 11:59pm CST.
- The Grand Prize Winner will now receive the following
- Professional headshot photoshoot
- The opportunity to be styled by the Michael Strahan Brand team
- A shadowing opportunity with the Michael Strahan Brand team
- PLUS what we’ve already announced: scholarship money, an all-expense paid two-day visit to JCPenney’s home office, virtual mentoring sessions from JCPenney leaders and the possibility for the winner’s design to be featured in an upcoming Hope & Wonder collection.
The JCPenney HBCU Design Challenge has always been committed to supporting and empowering talented students at HBCU’s across the country. With this partnership, we are raising the bar and providing exceptional opportunities for aspiring creatives. Collection by Michael Strahan, known for its quality and style, aligns perfectly with this vision, making it an ideal collaboration. #RaiseYourGame has taken on a whole new meaning, and the future is brighter than ever for the talented individuals participating in this prestigious competition.
2024 Challenge Theme
Harmony of Hues: A Symphony of Colorful Narratives in Black Artistry and Heritage
Students are challenged to create a visually stunning and culturally rich design that embodies the essence of Black artistry and heritage. Designs should incorporate vibrant hues, dynamic patterns, and symbolic elements that reflect diversity, harmony and creativity as an expression of Black culture through color. They should also evoke a sense of pride, rhythmic expression, and celebration of the rich narratives found in Black artistry.
View this storyboard sample for design inspiration.
Submission Details and Criteria
To be eligible, participants must be full-time students enrolled in an HBCU at the date of submission.
Designs must be prepared in the form of digital storyboards that include the following:
- Inspiration
- Color palette
- Technical sketches (CAD or hand illustrated)
- A combination of imagery and text to demonstrate the mood
- Print ideas/artwork/technique
All storyboards must be saved as a flattened PDF file no more than 15 MB in size and no less than 150 dpi resolution. We are unable to accept ZIP files or Google Drive files. Please note, this year’s winning design will be printed on a jersey knit T-shirt.
Entries must be submitted to hbcudesignchallenge-sm@jcp.com by 11:59 PM CST on Sunday, April 21, 2024, along with a signed consent waiver and release form.
Evaluation Process, Selection and Notification
The HBCU Design Challenge Council, made up of JCPenney senior leaders in our design, textiles, talent, and inclusion and diversity departments, will serve as the panel of judges and decide the winners.
Finalists will be notified by Monday, June 3, 2024 and will be evaluated on creativity, innovation, ability to execute, resonance with the target market and relevance to this year’s challenge theme.
From the pool of finalists, the first and second place winner will be notified by Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Design Challenge Prizes
Two (2) HBCU Design Challenge winners will be announced.
First Place Prize Winner will receive:
- $4,000 scholarship
- All-expense paid two-day visit to our home office in Texas to shadow members of the JCPenney design team
- Seven (7) 30-minute virtual mentoring sessions with JCPenney leaders to further develop their talent and prepare them for their professional ventures.
- The possibility for their design to be included in the 2025 Black History Month and/or Juneteenth JCPenney Hope & Wonder brand collections, sold in select JCPenney stores and online, with 100% of net profits benefiting a key nonprofit partner.
Second Place Prize Winner will receive:
- $2,000 scholarship
- All-expense paid two-day visit to our home office in Texas to shadow members of the JCPenney design team
- Seven (7) 30-minute virtual mentoring sessions with JCPenney leaders to further develop their talent and prepare them for their professional ventures.
