Gap Inc.
September 2, 2026
Gap Inc. has always stood for more than what we make. Since our founding in 1969, when Doris and Don Fisher opened a store to help people find a pair of jeans that truly fit, our commitment to do more than sell clothes has shaped who we are. And that belief has grown into a global ambition to bridge gaps and create a better world.
We’re bringing that commitment to life in many ways, including providing young people with access and opportunity that can unlock their potential.
The Future Creators Program, developed in partnership with the Fashion Institute of Technology’s (FIT) Precollege Programs and The Brotherhood Sister Sol (BroSis), is a great example of how investing in education, skills development and career exploration can help bridge an opportunity gap and inspire the next generation of creators.
Gap designer and program volunteer Stacy Mulligan walks students through Gap’s design process.
Research shows that arts and creative education can improve academic success, increase access to higher education, and support early career pathways, especially for disadvantaged youth. Yet, many young people have limited exposure to creative industries and lack the guidance needed to turn their talents into career opportunities. As AI and economic change reshape the future of work, expanding equitable access to creative learning is more important than ever.*
“One of the best ways to prepare future leaders is by giving young people opportunities to explore, learn and discover what's possible early on,” said Tish Archie-Oliver, Chief Inclusion & Belonging Officer, Gap Inc. “The future of our industry depends on the next generation of talent. By supporting high school students, we're helping bridge gaps between education and industry, talent and access, and aspiration and opportunity. This work reflects a shared belief that every young person deserves the chance to discover their potential and imagine what's possible for their future.”
The six-week course connected 50 students ages 13 – 18 to real-world creative processes, contemporary fashion thinking and collaborative learning experiences. Gap creative leaders brought the industry into the classroom, sharing their experiences, responding to student work and helping participants understand the range of careers behind a global fashion brand. The goal: help them develop critical skills while broadening their understanding of what’s possible.
Students of the Digital Media pathway practice fashion photography skills.
Through pathways focused on Form (fashion design), Image (fine arts) and Digital (photography), participants built personal fashion narratives that reflected their unique perspectives and experiences, then translated their ideas into material and visual projects. From research to concept development to experimentation and production, students investigated how fashion can communicate ideas, stories and their personal experiences.
Students present their work to Zac Posen, Executive Vice President and Creative Director of Gap Inc. and Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy and Executive Sponsor of Future Creators.
"Talent is everywhere, but access and opportunity are not, and Future Creators is a powerful example of how we can help bridge that gap,” said Zac Posen, Executive Vice President and Creative Director of Gap Inc. and Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy. “What excites me most about it isn’t just the work these students produced — it's the potential it represents. There are young creators in every community who deserve the opportunity to be seen, supported and inspired. This inaugural program is an important first step, and we're energized by what’s possible.”
The company sees meaningful potential to extend the Future Creators program, helping more young people access creative education, industry connections and pathways to opportunity.
*Sources: National Endowment for the Arts, The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth: Findings from Four Longitudinal Studies (2012). Brookings Institution, New Evidence of the Benefits of Arts Education (2019). World Economic Forum, AI and the Need for More Human Creativity (2026).
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