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October 14, 2024

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07/17/2024

The Textile Gateway - Re-Energizing the Textile Industry By Connecting Students (7/17/24)

The FabricLink Network (FLN) announced the launch of TheTextileGateway.org to help re-energize the 
textile industry.  The website connects the textile industry to students from elementary school to 
universities. A challenge is that most young students aren’t thinking about textile careers, in part 
because they lack sufficient education about the opportunities. 

“The mission of The Textile Gateway is to educate and inspire students at all levels about textiles; 
promote career paths in the industry; and, serve as a catalyst for future innovation,” explained Tom 
Swantko, director of the Gateway program. “The Gateway is vitally needed to help develop the next 
generation of leaders, innovators and skilled workforce.”

Outreach to elementary and high school students is a primary focus. The Gateway provides students in 
every grade through high school with a wealth of age-appropriate resources designed to engage and 
inspire. Outreach is also provided to students in colleges and universities. The Gateway aids students 
by bridging the gap between academic studies and real-world applications. You'll find an array of 
resources, and gain access to industry professionals who share their knowledge and insights through 
articles, videos and live events.

Students will learn about textile industry workforce development programs.  Swantko explains, “We are 
looking to partner with workforce programs that provide internships, apprenticeship, skills-training 
programs, or offer scholarships to students.  The Gateway is an ideal partner to direct students to 
these opportunities.“

Steve Schiffman, President and CEO, Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), agrees, stating,  "We are 
very excited to partner with the Textile Gateway and support their education and outreach programs. 
Workforce development in the textile industry is a critical initiative and one that requires collaboration 
between textile-related trade associations, and other like-minded organizations/partnerships.” 

David Parkes, Founder and CEO, Concept III Textiles, concurs, “For the Textile/Apparel industries to 
present mature ideas and innovations in the future, we need TheTextileGateway.org as a platform 
where high schools, and entry-level college students can have exposure to the many careers and 
exciting opportunities these industries provide.”

Family & Consumer Science (FACS) programs and Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculums 
for middle and high schools often lack resources for textiles. So, little is being done to educate young 
students about textiles and its many career paths.  Swantko adds, “We’ve met with administrators 
involved with FACS/CTE programs, who are excited to hear about what we’re doing and want to know 
how they can help.  There is a real opportunity to promote the textile industry through schools across 
the USA.”

This is a platform where teachers can interact, share ideas and lesson plans, connect online with the 
industry, or arrange school visits.  Ann Dietchman, Supervisor of Family & Consumer Science 
Education (FCSE), for North Dakota’s Department o CTE (Career and Technical Education), is eager to 
work with TTG, and sums up the program in this way.  “The Textile Gateway program brings exciting 
opportunities for our students taking textile and clothing classes, by linking education to the 
textile/apparel business world.  This resource has long been needed for our FCSE programs.”

The FabricLink Network will be presenting TTG to the ND CTE Conference in Bismarck on the afternoon 
of August 7, 2024.  As media, you are invited to register for this Conference, and visit 
TheTextileGateway website at thetextilegateway.org.

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