One of the many benefits of the Summer Youth Academies at Sac State’s College of Continuing Education is the opportunity that students have to meet industry professionals who visit the academies as guest speakers. 

This summer Esther Amato, an instructor in the Fashion Merchandising and Management program at Sac State, invited several alumni to visit the summer academy she was teaching.

“In collaboration with the College of Continuing Education and Sacramento State University, I was thrilled to host the Summer Fashion Academies 2024, welcoming high school students to a transformative educational experience,” Amato says. “The week-long program is meticulously designed to immerse participants in the multifaceted world of fashion, blending creative exploration with practical industry insights. The academy not only nurtures artistic expression but also cultivates foundational skills crucial for success in the fashion industry.”

Among the guest speakers was Sac State alum Stanley Phan, a fashion designer who’s already created his own brand. “As a guest speaker for Sac State’s Summer Youth Academies, it was great to see the young students full of excitement and eagerness to learn about the fashion industry,” Phan says. “I was able to share my educational experiences, but more importantly my entrepreneurial experiences. I brought along my designs and products to allow the students to see and feel everything I spoke about. I also shared the software used, which left a few students inspired and eager to learn the software themselves. I believe everyone has a purpose and being able to inspire the younger generation was a great experience for me.”

Each year, the Summer Youth Academies offer an exciting opportunity for students in 7th to 12th grades to explore a variety of subjects, preview college through academic, hands-on career exploration, and interactive projects and coaching.

Academies are led by campus faculty and industry experts in a variety of disciplines including computer science, engineering, public safety, arts, business, and more.

“The Summer Fashion Academies not only enrich students with technical skills and industry knowledge but also instill confidence and ignite passion, preparing them to pursue careers in fashion with a solid foundation,” says Esther Amato. “By bridging academic theory with hands-on experience and mentorship from industry experts, this academy equips students with the tools and inspiration to thrive in the dynamic world of fashion.”

“The Fashion Academies are a great example of what the Summer Youth Academies are all about,” says Liz Arellanes, a Senior Program Analyst at CCE and the coordinator of each years’ academies. “Hands-on learning, educational and career exploration, and providing youth with the opportunity to envision their future success.”

Offered on weekdays during the summer, the Summer Youth Academies are open to any student entering 7th-12th grades in the fall. You can learn more about them here.