11 Youth Impact & Vault 360
Youth Impact & Vault 360
Partnership
The University of Wisconsin–Madison, Virgil Abloh’s alma mater, was named as the Virgil Abloh Foundation’s inaugural Youth Impact Partner for the 2025–2026 academic year. This year-long partnership enables students to collaborate with the Foundation to co-design immersive programming that expands access and opportunity for underrepresented youth in creative industries.In 2025, The Vault, a 400-person student-led organization at UW–Madison, proposed a collaboration centered on a fashion show and experiential event planned for December 2025.Through this initiative, students honor Virgil Abloh’s legacy while promoting equity, inclusion, and awareness of diverse creative career pathways.
Student Perspectives
“Being named as the first Youth Impact Partner with the Virgil Abloh Foundation has been an incredibly honorable experience for myself, our organization, and campus. This partnership has given us the opportunity to grow not only as student leaders, but as collaborators working towards making a difference in expanding access and representation across creative fields.Throughout this partnership, we’ve gained so much insight from the VAF and Align teams, whose guidance, trust, and genuine investment in students have made every interaction inspiring. Having their support at this level has empowered us to think bigger about the impact we can have on our campus and beyond. I've watched our organization evolve, our members step into leadership, and our collective confidence grow as we bring ambitious visions to life. Most importantly, the partnership has helped us amplify diverse voices and create spaces where more students feel seen, valued, and inspired to participate. We are so grateful for you all!”Annelise McDonaldPresident, The VaultUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison
“I really enjoyed just forming a relationship with the Foundation & Align team.Getting to meet so many inspiring individuals not only working but advancing the fields I wish to enter − was so fun & insightful. Moreover, getting to work and foster relationships with the ABLOH AIR cohort was truly so special, and was a great privilege to share my journey while watching them navigate theirs!”Grantham (G) GreenCreative Director of the VaultWinter Fashion Show 2025
Vault 360
Program Overview
Vault 360 is a multi-faceted initiative for high school seniors that blends mentorship, creative education, and behind-the-scenes industry access.01. The Vault EDUAn immersive, behind-the-scenes experience providing access to fashion show production and operations.The program culminates in student participation in and guided engagement with The Vault’s Fall semester fashion show, including backstage tours for peers and community partners.02. The Vault ExchangeA four-month near-peer mentorship experience connecting students with emerging professionals.Programming, structure, and scheduling are supported by the Virgil Abloh Foundation to guide participants’ academic and professional pathways.03. The Vault BackstageMonthly micro-learning modules focused on fashion show production, creative development, and industry workflows.Students gain exposure to the multiple workstreams behind large-scale creative projects, with opportunities to specialize in selected areas.