To create access and opportunities for racialized interior designers in the industry, The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University and JennAir have partnered to create the JennAir Scholars Award. The $375,000 scholarship fund will support Black, Indigenous and students of colour in the Bachelor of Interior Design program, and the planned Master’s program, over five years.
“As a brand built around progress, cutting-edge design and disruption, JennAir is deeply committed to advancements in the design sector,” says Gary Power, Vice President and General Manager, Whirlpool Canada. “This begins with the people who are responsible for creating, inspiring and pushing the boundaries of design across all fields of the industry. We believe that better representation of racialized Canadians will drive stronger, more diverse design work.”
Along with the JennAir Scholars Award, JennAir and TMU will launch a paid internship program for design students offering real world experience to help build their resumes. In addition to its work with TMU, JennAir will partner with racialized designers each year for kitchen renovations, which will be featured on the JennAir website and social channels.
Tridel has also announced its commitment to growing diversity in the sector, and will work closely with JennAir to offer competitively paid internships for students in the program.
“This partnership will make a difference in underrepresented BIPOC communities while directly supporting our deep commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our industry and our communities. We need more partnerships like this that provide impactful opportunities to talented individuals looking to enter the construction and design fields,” says Jim Ritchie, President, Tridel.
