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JCPenney is proud to launch the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Design Challenge, created to give full-time students enrolled in designated, Hispanic-serving colleges and universities nationwide an opportunity to showcase their creativity across our stores and online platforms. In this challenge, students will have the opportunity to earn a cash prize, receive dedicated mentorship as they pursue their long-term career goals and more. Read below for full challenge details, criteria, selection process, prizes and FAQs.
What is an HSI?
An HSI is defined by the U.S. Department of Education as an institution of higher education that:
- is an eligible institution as determined by the U.S. Department of Education; and
- has an enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students that is at least 25 percent Hispanic students at the end of the award year immediately preceding the date of application.
Click here to view the list of qualifying colleges and universities to make sure you’re eligible.
2024 HSI Challenge Theme
The challenge theme, Somos: We Are, is inspired by the rich cultural tapestry of Hispanic communities. Students are encouraged to create innovative designs that honor their cultural roots, showcase traditional elements and promote unity within the community. Explore and express heritage through fashion by drawing inspiration from traditional textiles, patterns, symbols and colors and through positive and unifying messages that uplift and motivate the community.
View this storyboard sample for design inspiration.
Submission Details and Criteria
To be eligible, participants must be full-time students enrolled in a qualifying HSI 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.
Entries must be submitted to hsidesignchallenge-sm@jcp.com by 11:59 PM CST on Sunday, November 3, 2024, along with a signed consent waiver and release form.
Evaluation Process, Selection and Notification
The HSI 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 Friday, December 6, 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 Friday, December 13, 2024.
Design Challenge Prizes
Two (2) HSI 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.
- Professional headshots courtesy of JCPenney Portraits by Lifetouch
- The possibility for their design to be included in the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month JCPenney Hope & Wonder brand collection, 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.
- Professional headshots courtesy of JCPenney Portraits by Lifetouch
