The Clothes Closet, a service of the Cal Poly Pomona Career Center that provides free professional attire and styling advice for students, supported over 600 students during the 2020-21 academic year. More than 250 of those students received the new Clothes Closet stipend.
Traditionally, the Closet operates as an in-person boutique shopping experience, where Apparel Merchandising and Management student interns run day-to-day operations, from inventory to personalized styling sessions. Students can select up to six free items per semester in preparation for an interview, conference, networking event, and more.
Due to the pandemic, however, the boutique closed its doors, requiring an innovative solution to continue the free service. The stipend program was quickly implemented in collaboration with the Basic Needs program. Eligible students simply applied for the stipend through the Basic Needs application and received a $50 Amazon gift card to purchase attire, complete with a virtual styling session and consultation.
"The stipend program, in addition to styling sessions and 'Getting Styled with Us' workshops allowed the Clothes Closet to continue to provide support for students so they could put their best fit forward for an interview, networking event, or first week of work," said Cheryl Love, coordinator of the clothes closet and career counselor.
The continued success of the Closet would not have been possible, however, without nearly $35,000 provided by Associated Students, Inc. (ASI). The reallocation of student fees provided direct help to launch the stipend program and provide crucial additional support for the program's continued operation.
"Without ASI's generous support, the Closet would not have been able to help as many students as we did last academic year, as well as fall semester," added Love.
In recognition of this support, ASI was unanimously elected as the Clothes Closet 2021 partner of the year by the Clothes Closet advisory board. The updated partner of the year plaque, which hangs in the boutique and serves as a reminder of the continuous support of the program, will be unveiled at a ceremony during the 2022 spring semester.
"Every year the advisory board chooses an individual or organization that goes above and beyond in helping the Closet. I'm excited we have the chance to honor ASI for their ongoing partnership and support. Their support has made a difference for many students," said Love.
For more information about the Clothes Closet, or to make a donation that directly impacts students in need, visit the official website.