Pensole

Pensole operates as a specialized design academy focused on the footwear industry, functioning as a crucial talent pipeline for major brands. It was established in 2010 by Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, a prominent footwear designer with over three decades of experience at companies like L.A. Gear, Nike, and the Jordan Brand. Edwards, who entered the industry without formal design education, was motivated to create the academy he wished he had access to, aiming to provide opportunities for aspiring designers regardless of their socioeconomic background. His journey began at age 19 as an entry-level designer and includes designing over 500 shoe styles and holding more than 50 patents.

The institution's business model is a hybrid of a vocational school and an apprenticeship program, centered on a "learn by doing" curriculum. Pensole collaborates directly with corporate partners such as Nike, Adidas, Target, and The North Face to co-create curricula for masterclasses and other programs. These partnerships often result in tuition-free education for selected students, with programs funded by the partner companies who, in turn, gain access to a diverse pool of trained talent. The curriculum covers the entire product creation process, from inspiration and concept development to materials, color theory, prototyping, and branding. Courses are offered in various formats, including multi-week masterclasses, short-term courses, and online seminars.

A significant milestone in Pensole's history is the reopening of the Lewis College of Business, Michigan's only Historically Black College and University (HBCU), which had closed in 2013. In 2021, Edwards spearheaded its relaunch as the Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC) in Detroit, creating the first design-focused HBCU. This move, supported by founding partners like The Gilbert Family Foundation and Target, expanded Pensole's mission to explicitly serve aspiring Black creatives and designers. PLC provides hands-on, industry-certified education in areas like footwear, apparel, 3D design, and product marketing, aiming to make its students highly employable upon completion of their programs.

Keywords: footwear design education, D'Wayne Edwards, sneaker design academy, product creation, apparel design, design mentorship, color and material design, corporate design partnership, professional development, Pensole Lewis College, HBCU design program, learn by doing, creative talent pipeline, industry certification, athletic footwear, prototyping, concept development, brand collaboration, diversity in design, design masterclass