User:ShellyCaldwell/sandbox

The Portland Fashion Institute (PFI) is a private higher education career institute located in Portland, Oregon. It focuses on design, technology and business connected to the fashion industry. It was founded in 2010. It is Oregon’s only accredited fashion design school.

Academics
PFI offers three certificate programs. Apparel Design trains enrollees in the skills to start a line of clothing or work at a large apparel company. Apparel Technical Development focuses on computer skills in Adobe and patternmaking so enrollees can get work as a technical designer, materials, print or product developer, patternmaker or fit engineer. Apparel Entrepreneur enrollees get the skills required to build a business plan, understand the nuance of fashion buying and merchandising for wholesale, retail and e-commerce.

In addition to the certificate programs, registrants can take every course offered by PFI as non-credit or continuing education. Among the most popular series are Apparel Construction and Patternmaking where students start with the basics and move up to advanced digital design. More than 7,000 persons have studied at the school since it opened its doors.

PFI is licensed by Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission and accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training, a statement that the school’s teaching and programs meet rigorous educational standards.

A five-member advisory board designs and refines PFI’s curriculum. It helps place graduates in internships and employment. Advisory board members include representatives from Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, Nike, Shibui Knits and VFC. Enrollees have graduated to work at apparel manufacturers across the United States and in Europe. Some have started their own clothing companies. All instructors are professionals who currently work in the apparel industry.

PFI offers an annual scholarship to high school juniors and seniors with exceptional promise in fashion design. PFI has won diversity and business grants through its federal, state and local partners.

Campus
The buildings at PFI’s campus in the Hollywood District of northeast Portland include classrooms with access to computers and 2D and 3D programs, a video and photography studio, workrooms with access to industrial sewing machines and a design space. Half of the classes are offered online through synchronous interactive distance learning. These include lecture and computer classes. Hands-on classes are taught in-person. Through its library, enrollees have access to books, periodicals and media for every aspect of fashion design and the apparel business. Apartments and extended stay hotels are within walking distance of PFI, along with public transportation, grocery stores, restaurants, a county library, health services and entertainment.

Alumni
Graduates show collections at annual industry events that attract buyers, press and managers from top area apparel companies. PFI collaborates with industry, companies and community leaders on projects, competitions and exhibits. Participants walk through all steps of apparel production and marketing, including fashion styling and a photo shoot. PFI hosts career and portfolio shows.

Alumni have found jobs at adidas, Blue Ivy, Bridge & Burn, Browzwear, Columbia Sportswear, Duchess Clothiers, Jantzen/Perry Ellis, Michael Curry Designs, Nike, The North Face, Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, UnderArmour, Yeezy and several other apparel companies and production houses.