Soharlem Inc

Training Institute: Workforce DevelopmentIn 2024, the Creative Economy Training Institute offered a 12-week training on the fundamentals of sewing. The priority was to serve unemployed and underemployed Central Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem and Upper Manhattan residents at no cost. Trainees were also recruited from the South Bronx given the need, proximity to Harlem, and reality that Harlem has become unaffordable. Trainees were taught basic sewing techniques related to garment construction. The program also served designers and others seeking to develop their garment construction skills to enhance their ability as designers. The program has served as a pathway for recruiting apprentices for SoHarlem. Of the 18 trainees in 2024, three were hired as a Studio Apprentice at SoHarlem, four found work in the garment industry, one is using her skills doing alterations as part of the laundry she owns with her family, the other established a small cottage business making dresses for Quinceaera celebrations (a Latin American tradition celebrating a girl's 15th birthday).In addition, SoHarlem provided two young designers with 63 hours of intensive training in design, pattern making and garment construction. SoHarlem accommodated their schedules and commutes during January. During the Summer SoHarlem recruited summer interna, from the High School of Art & Design to assist the designers in preparing for their Fall Fashion Show. The Designers Studio also provided more than 200 hours to studio access to former creative entrepreneurs, apprentices and trainees to work on projects. Designers and seamstresses were available to assist them with patternmaking and garment construction utilizing the cutting tables, sewing machines, ironing stations and other equipment.