September 8, 2025 — Goodwill Industries of South Texas is excited to announce Work the Runway, a new signature event and student fashion competition that merges sustainability, creativity, and the power of work. Think Project Runway meets Goodwill.
The event invites high school and college students across South Texas (from Brownsville to Victoria) to upcycle thrifted finds into original runway-ready fashion creations, competing for $5,000 in scholarships while helping fund Goodwill’s 100% free job training and job placement programs for individuals with barriers to employment.
“Work the Runway empowers the next generation to lead with purpose and imagination,” said John W. Owen, President & CEO of Goodwill South Texas. “This is more than a fashion show—it’s an invitation for students to express identity, think critically about culture, and make a tangible impact in their communities.”
Key Dates:
• Now – October 1, 2025: Student registration open: www.worktherunwaystx.com
• November 14, 2025: Round 1 creative brief submissions due
• December 1, 2025: Round 2 finalists announced
• May 2026: Live runway event & scholarship awards
Event Highlights:
• Student-Driven: Participants design fashion looks using only Goodwill thrifted items
• Scholarships: $5,000 in awards for top student designers in each category (High School and Collegiate) presented by TAMU-CC and Driscoll Health Plan
• Theme: “Cultura Meets Couture: What Does Culture Mean to You?”
• Mission Impact: Proceeds fund job training and career placement programs across the Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Valley
Get Involved:
Registration is free and open to all high school and college students enrolled in the 2025–2026 school year at a school within Goodwill South Texas’ 20-county service region. To register, learn more, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit: www.worktherunwaystx.com
About Goodwill Industries of South Texas: Goodwill Industries of South Texas, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment achieve independence and enhance their quality of life. Through job training, employment placement, and other services, Goodwill empowers individuals to work, providing them with opportunities for a better future.
