“We’re creating a safe space for young people to talk about their journey; about who they are and who they’re becoming through the creative lens of fashion.”
— Joshua Croke, Cofounder & President
Threads Signups are Open for our 2025-26 Cohorts!
Sign up today or learn more about our youth fashion & identity program below! Please share this with 12-18-year-old young people in your life!
About Our Threads Youth Fashion & Identity Program!
Threads is a six month program for middle and high school-age youth (~12-18) where students use fashion design and sewing skills education as a lens to discuss personal expression and identity with the goal of helping youth on their journey of self-discovery.
Beginning in Fall 2025, Threads will be offered in two cohorts:
Cohort A (ages 12–14, approximately grades 6–8/9): A supportive, project-based environment where younger youth are introduced to sewing and design fundamentals while building confidence through creative exploration. Students work on hands-on projects that encourage experimentation, self-expression, and collaboration, creating pieces that reflect who they are and what inspires them as they begin their fashion and identity journeys.
Cohort B (ages 15–18, approximately grades 9–12): A collaborative, project-based environment where teens strengthen their sewing and garment construction skills, take on more complex design projects, and experiment with creative ideas. Students engage in hands-on learning that blends technical skill-building with artistic exploration, working on pieces that reflect their identities, cultures, and unique creative visions while discovering new ways to express themselves through fashion.
Fashion design activities will be led by Project Runway Allstar’s Sam Donovan with support from Love Your Labels Designer in Residence, Caelum Lam, introducing students to fashion sketching, sewing fundamentals, garment construction, and preparing for the runway. Our Therapist in Residence, Cass Dallas, works with our team to support the social-emotional needs of our students and helps with emotional processing, anxiety management around project responsibilities, and cultivating love and support for self and community.
Discussing Identity.
In Threads, our education team works with young people to discuss and explore who they are, give them the language to express themselves regarding gender, sexuality, and identity, and provide tools for them to build resilience and pride.
Fashion Design Education.
Students learn valuable life skills that can be applied to their lives and careers including design thinking, communicating ideas, project planning, creative expression, sketching, and sewing.
Building Community.
This program is connecting young people in a safe space where they can be themselves, discuss their identity and personal journeys, and build lasting relationships in an environment free of stigma and shame.
Learn more about applying for Threads, here.
Make a donation.
Can you help us support Queer + Trans Young People in our community?
Remember, just one supportive adult in the life of an LGBTQIA+ young person saves lives.
Help us today. Scholarship a Student for $250.
2024 Program sponsors
Lasell University, Giant Eagle Vending, Discover Central Massachusetts, Saint Gobain, The Mercantile Worcester
EL Harvey, Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, Open Sky Community Services, Crust Bakeshop, Birch Tree Bread Company, Central One Federal Credit Union, UMass Chan Medical School, The WooSox Foundation, Cordella’s Coffee, Fontaine Community Foundation, Grove Village Market, Femme Bar, Baked by Melissa, Studio DiBella, Worcester State University, YWCA of Central Massachusetts, You Have Our Trust Fund, Hanover Insurance Foundation, Mezcal Tequila Kitchen, The White Room Worcester, The Woo Bar & Grill, The MB Lounge, Deep Eddy, Coghlin Electrical Contractors, Redemption Rock Brewing, Pepe’s Dolce Bar
And to all the generous community members who donated.
Do you want to Sponsor Threads & Support our youth in 2020?
Let’s Connect!
