HBCU partners with Nike for sneaker competition

Published: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 1:19 am

Pensole Lewis College and Nike Launch Nationwide Sneaker Design Competition

Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, the nation's only Historically Black College and University dedicated to design education, has partnered with sportswear giant Nike to launch "Sneakerhead of State." This inaugural nationwide competition aims to discover and nurture the next generation of talent in the footwear industry, offering aspiring designers, makers, and innovators a significant platform to showcase their skills and gain invaluable industry exposure.

The initiative, spearheaded by renowned footwear designer Dr. DWayne Edwards, president of Pensole Lewis College, seeks to democratize access to the competitive footwear world. "Somewhere in America, there's a creative with extraordinary talent who simply needs an opportunity to be seen," Dr. Edwards stated. "This competition is about finding those individuals and helping them take the next step from sneakerhead to footwear professional."

"Sneakerhead of State" officially opened for submissions on June 15, inviting individuals from across the United States to present original work that demonstrates innovation, compelling storytelling, consumer insight, problem-solving capabilities, and exceptional craftsmanship. Beyond submissions, participants will benefit from live demonstrations, designer sessions, question-and-answer forums, and feedback opportunities designed to enhance their skills and foster connections within the broader footwear community.

The competition will progress through a series of stages. A national voting process will initially identify the Top 50 "Sneakerheads of State," which will then be narrowed down to 10 finalists. Ultimately, three national finalists will be selected. These top three individuals will receive an exclusive three-day experience at PLC Detroit. During this immersive program, they will have the opportunity to refine their designs, present their work to industry professionals, and engage directly with Nike's Talent Acquisition Team. Furthermore, these finalists will gain access to select events during the National Black Footwear Forum, a prominent industry gathering focused on advancing diversity, innovation, and opportunity in footwear.

The submission deadline for "Sneakerhead of State" is July 19. The Top 50 participants are slated for announcement on July 24, followed by the Top 10 finalists on August 2. The top three national finalists will be revealed on August 14, with the PLC Detroit Experience and final design showcase scheduled to take place from September 10-13. Further details regarding eligibility, submission guidelines, and voting procedures are available through Pensole Lewis College.

BNN's Perspective: The collaboration between Pensole Lewis College and Nike for the "Sneakerhead of State" competition represents a positive and pragmatic approach to fostering talent and promoting diversity within the footwear industry. By providing a structured pathway for aspiring creatives to gain visibility and mentorship, this initiative has the potential to unlock significant opportunities for individuals who might otherwise face barriers to entry. The emphasis on innovation, craftsmanship, and storytelling aligns with the evolving demands of the market, while the inclusion of industry professionals and networking events offers invaluable real-world experience. This partnership underscores the growing recognition of the importance of diverse perspectives in driving creativity and success.

Tags: Pensole Lewis College, Nike, Sneakerhead of State, footwear industry, design competition, aspiring designers, sneaker designers, footwear makers, footwear customizers, Dr. DWayne Edwards, PLC Detroit, National Black Footwear Forum, diversity, innovation, opportunity, talent acquisition

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