HBCU Apparel design

KR Scholars is dedicated to empowering students at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) through scholarships, financial literacy education, and workforce readiness programs. The organization needed a strong, visually compelling merchandise line that would reinforce its brand identity, create a sense of belonging among students, and drive engagement from donors and partners.

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The goal was to design merchandise—primarily hoodies and sweatshirts—that represented KR Scholars' mission in an authentic matter. The apparel needed to serve as both a brand statement and a fundraising tool, ensuring students, alumni, and donors could proudly display their connection to the organization while supporting its scholarship initiatives.

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KR Scholars lacked a consistent visual identity for their merchandise, which limited engagement and brand recognition. The challenge was to create designs that were not only visually appealing but also aligned with the organization's core values—empowerment, education, and community. This presented an opportunity to build a cohesive collection that would resonate deeply with their audience and strengthen their presence.

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To ensure the designs spoke to the target demographic, I conducted research on: HBCU culture & visual identity: Examining the aesthetics and traditions associated with HBCUs to develop designs that students and alumni would connect with. Merchandising trends: Studying how apparel brands engage communities through impactful design.

KR Scholars’ branding: Ensuring consistency in typography, colors, and messaging to maintain a professional yet youthful appeal.

The final merchandise collection successfully reinforced KR Scholars’ identity and strengthened their engagement with students, donors, and partners. The designs became a staple at events and online promotions, enhancing brand visibility while serving as a fundraising tool. By optimizing the production process, we also helped KR Scholars allocate more resources to scholarships and programming, furthering their impact on the HBCU community.

This project highlighted how branding can reinforce trust and impact in the nonprofit sector—ensuring that students and donors see KRScholars as more than just a funding source, but a lifelong partner in success.