Scholarships & Patreon

We are on Patreon! Patrons on Patreon has access to a BTS of BKSS. Any funds patrons have donated on Patreon will go directly to the scholarship fund. You can become a patron, and apply for scholarships at the same time too! Share the love of shoemaking!

We will pick one applicant from each of the two categories: below 17 and above 18.

APPLICATION IS OPEN! for 2025 selection. SUBMIT BY December 15, 2024. WE WILL ANNOUNCE WINNERS DECEMBER 31, 2024. NEW YEARS 🎁

You can apply for the scholarship HERE>> USING THE APPLICATION FORM

APPLICATION SUBMISSION BRIEF

Please fill out the application form above. Plus below:

PART 1: Submit ONE handsketched, lateral or ¾ view of your original footwear design in black and white, or color as a PDF or image (JPG/PNG) file using our Application Form. We do not accept reference images of shoes of other brands.

On the sketch, please include:

  • Your first name and last name somewhere on the sketch.

  • Which Country you are from. If USA, include the Abbreviated State. (example: NY, USA)

  • Name the file yourlastname_yourfirstname So I can see who submitted the work in our folders.

Part 2: Submit a 2 minute video made for either YOUTUBE or Instagram or TikTok. You will copy the link to paste into the Application Form.

The video should include:

  • Introduction to yourself

  • WHY you want to learn shoemaking at BKSS. Include any specific skills you wish to obtain from this course. If you're a beginner, show us your passion on how you want to make shoes. For experienced makers, explain more in detail so we get the full picture. Please try to explain the best you can!

  • Explain your design, and the type of shoes you wish to make. (It will determine the course you will be accepted for.) What type of materials would you imagine using for these shoes? Who will it be for? Describe as much as possible. It may help to check out our class offerings, supplies, to see what type of shoe components we have as you design, so it’s not too far off from what you can actually achieve in our course.

  • Where do you want your shoemaking skills to take you next? (If it’s just pure curiosity to learn a new skill, and don’t know whether you will pursue shoemaking in the future, that is an honest thing to tell us as well.)

  • Add Anything else we should know about you- Do you work? Are you a student? Are you retired? Who inspires you every day? It can be anything to get to know you.

  • If using social media platform format, to also TAG us @brooklynshoespace

  • If uploading YOUTUBE, TITLE: BKSS Scholarship Application 2024

  • Please keep a mp4 file for future reference.

Link again: You can apply for the scholarship HERE>> USING THE APPLICATION FORM

Curious about our selection process?

Let us share some helpful insights for your submissions.

  • What matters most to us is the authenticity of your sketches. You don't need to be a seasoned designer to apply; a well-explained, uniquely yours sketch with some details will do the trick. Feel free to focus on one shoe, perhaps with a few variations if you're torn between choices. We're interested in quality over quantity, so there's no need to inundate us with numerous sketches. Show us your vision!

  • While we admire existing shoe designs, we'd prefer you try your hand at recreating them on paper rather than submitting photos.

  • Your narrative is significant to us; a compelling story that aligns with your desired shoe creation for the class can make a difference.

  • If you have friends that can vouch for you and make a video as well, tag you, and if you want to send us an additional link to that video for us to watch, we will appreciate it. Sometimes your shoe journey is not your own to take, and your village is your biggest cheerleaders.

  • Secret not so secret tip: Opting for partial funding increases your chances of receiving support, possibly securing a runner-up position. If this option suits you, we'll be delighted to provide a substantial discount code, enabling you to participate in the class at a reduced rate.

  • Additionally, please note that we check whether applicants have followed the instructions provided, and answer all the questions which is a critical aspect of our selection process.