Sew 'N Know Entrepreneur Program
For tennis scholars involved in Sew ‘N Know, one of several academic enrichment programs offered at the Southeast Tennis & Learning Center, the entrepreneurial program provides many unique and memorable experiences. Led by Janice Rankins, a fashion industry and costume design veteran with credits in a variety of television shows, the program engages children and teens in the art of fashion design, while teaching them business and marketing skills. The students also hone their academic skills, ranging from putting math to use as they design fashions and make alterations, to researching historic figures and reproducing period clothing for the Center’s annual Blacks in Wax event.
In 2009, Sew N Know participants took part in several very special opportunities, including altering donated formal wear for the People’s Inaugural Ball, and visiting the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a behind-the-scenes look at how astronauts’ space suits are crafted. The NASA visit—and a gift of special material used to cover the Hubble Telescope—inspired the theme of Runway Youngins: Sew Young, Sew Fly, Sew Out of this World.
Runway Youngins 2009
Dozens of tennis scholars from the Southeast Tennis & Learning Center took to the catwalk on May 23, 2009 for Runway Youngins, along with students from Turkey Thicket Recreation Center. Runway Youngins showcased fashions designed and created by students in the Sew ‘N Know entrepreneurial program—a unique program that introduces students to fashion design and business. Tennis scholars also modeled clothing lines from Venus and Serena Williams, as well as guest designers Todd Robinson of Robin Hoods, Rhaji Rankins, Phresh Phactory Clothing and students from the West Potomac High School Fashion Design Department.
An article in The Washington Post about Sew ‘N Know students’ involvement in the People’s Inaugural Ball led to an invitation to visit the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in February 2009. There, students discovered what it takes to create clothing and protective coverings that will withstand the challenges of traveling in space, from precision cutting and measuring required to sew gloves for dexterity to creating a special material to cover the Hubble telescope. The encounter opened up new vistas for students—providing a glimpse of a unique career path that many never knew existed.
In January 2009, as the nation prepared to usher in its first African American president, Sew ‘N Know students were invited by the Northern Virginia Urban League to provide alternation services for those attending the People’s Inaugural Ball. Working with donated formal wear, the students measured, cut, adjusted, and hemmed gowns; jeweled dresses, and altered tuxedos and suits. These efforts gave students an opportunity to be of service to their community while being part of history.
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