Shoemaking scholarships

We award our in-house scholarship to two people a year, one in each age category:

• 17 and under
• 18 and over

Applicants in the 17 and under category have a higher chance of winning.

The scholarship fund is paid for by donations on Patreon. Everything patrons give goes directly to the fund, and patrons get a behind-the-scenes look at the studio. You can become a patron and apply for a scholarship at the same time.

Fill out the application form and include the two parts below.

Part 1: your sketch

Submit one hand-drawn sketch of your original footwear design, as a lateral (side) view or a 3/4 view. It can be black and white or color. Upload it through the application form as a PDF or an image (JPG or PNG). We do not accept reference images or photos of shoes from other brands.

• Write your first and last name somewhere on the sketch.
• Write the country you are from. If you are in the USA, add the abbreviated state, for example “NY, USA”.
• Name the file lastname_firstname so we can see whose work it is.

Part 2: your video

Make a 2-minute video for YouTube, Instagram or TikTok, and paste the link into the application form. The video should cover:

• An introduction to yourself.
• Why you want to learn shoemaking at BKSS, including any specific skills you hope to gain. If you are a beginner, show us your passion for making shoes. If you are experienced, go into detail so we get the full picture.
• Your design and the type of shoe you want to make. Apart from minor adjustments, this is the shoe you will make in class, and it decides which course you are accepted for. Tell us what materials you imagine using and who the shoes are for. It helps to look at our classes and supplies first, so your design stays close to what you can make in a course.
• Where you want your shoemaking skills to take you next. If you are simply curious to learn a new skill and do not know whether you will keep making shoes, that is fine, and an honest thing to tell us.
• Anything else we should know about you. Do you work? Are you a student? Are you retired? Who inspires you every day?

If you post the video on social media, tag us @brooklynshoespace. If you upload it to YouTube, title it “BKSS Scholarship Application 2026”. Keep an MP4 copy of the video for future reference.

• Authenticity matters most. You do not need to be a seasoned designer. A well-explained sketch that is your own, with some detail, is enough.
• Quality over quantity. Focus on one shoe, with a few variations if you are torn between options. There is no need to send many sketches.
• No photos of existing shoes. If you admire an existing design, draw your own version of it on paper.
• Your story matters. A story that fits the shoe you want to make in class can make a difference.
• Friends can vouch for you. If someone makes a video about you and tags you, send us that link as well. The people behind you are part of your shoemaking journey.
• Asking for partial funding raises your chances. You may be chosen as a runner-up and receive a substantial discount code to take the class at a reduced rate.
• We check that you followed the instructions and answered every question. This is a critical part of our selection.

The Two Ten Foundation is accepting grant applications from women in the footwear industry who want to build their skills and knowledge by completing Brooklyn Shoe Space courses.

Applications are rolling, so you can apply at any time. Apply on the Two Ten Foundation website.