Project Group Examples
When each participant applies to STEP, they’ll rank their top project interest. Each project group correlates to one of our academic programs, and participants will spend part of each day completing a hands-on project in that field of study.
Below are just a few examples of projects that have taken place in the past.
Please note that the projects listed are subject to change each year, and not all project groups will be available during each program session.
Fashion Design
Participants learn about the design process to create a mood board and a 3D digital rendering of their design using CLO. They will then create a garment themed around upcycling, zero-waste or kimonos. Finally, participants model their designs on the runway during Friday presentations.
Textile Engineering and Technology
Biomedical Textiles: Participants have the opportunity to collect bacteria samples from various surfaces, grow them and apply them to different fabrics to test an antimicrobial finish’s ability to reduce bacteria on different textile surfaces. The information learned can have an impact on textile products used in everyday life as well as hospitals, military personnel and much more.
Protective Textiles: Participants in this group learn about those textiles created to keep us safe. The participants will have the opportunity to perform experiments on a variety of fabric to test their fire and water resistance and visit a local fire department to learn why it’s important. The participants also perform trials on a variety of face mask types to asses their efficacy.
Smart Textiles: Participants explore the properties of various fibers and textile production methods. They are then tasked with creating a smart textile (a textile that responds to external stimuli). Participants create a woven textile design with light-up capabilities. They also construct a McKibben Actuator model, a manmade muscle used in artificial limbs.
Business Management
Marketing: Participants work in groups to develop a marketing plan and analysis for an apparel company or brand that is not a part of the current target market. Participants then develop a new sub-brand or brand in order to successfully target that market.
Business Simulation: In teams, participants take part in a business simulation that takes them through the start-up and growth of a textile manufacturing business, addressing the relevant decisions for business management. Participants learn business strategies, financial planning, business sustainability, and they learn the differences between manufacturing and retail.
Polymer Chemistry
Participants identify what a polymer is, how synthetic polymers are made, and where we find polymers in our everyday lives. They explore the polymerization model and create their own model of the molecular structure of polyethylene. Lastly, they learn the history and use of nylon and have the opportunity to make and dye their own nylon rope.
Textile Design
Participants create their own motifs using hand and digital methods, and then develop innovative repeat patterns for textiles. Emphasis has been placed on participants learning CAD design skills, color theory and design principles for printed textile design. In the end, participants had the opportunity to have their design digitally printed on cotton fabric, and many have expressed plans to use their design(s) to create things such as tote bags, pencil pouches, pillows, and much more.