Macy’s Houston Galleria welcomes 20 first-generation college students in-store for an exclusive shopping experience as part of Creative Vida’s 1STGEN program, a program which awards first-generation college students with a scholarship consisting of a guided personality assessment, access to a professional development boot camp, new business attire and other professional essentials.

Macy’s has donated $5,000 to Creative Vida allowing each student to receive a $250 Macy’s gift card to select a suit and business professional attire to wear during professional events, career fairs and interviews. Macy’s Personal Stylists fashion experts will host a dress etiquette workshop for the students and assist students when selecting their professional wardrobe from Macy’s. To cap the session, students will receive professional grooming and makeup tutorials by Macy’s beauty advisors and The Art of Shaving.

Following the students’ shopping experience at Macy’s, the scholarship recipients will participate in a series of workshops led by subject matter experts on January 26. On Saturday, February 1, a graduation ceremony will be hosted where the students will experience a networking opportunity to wear their professional attire and put into practice what they’ve learned during the career development workshops.

Macy’s is committed to giving back to organizations providing a positive impact within the local Houston community.

Creative Vida’s mission is to educate and empower youth through creative experiences. The 1STGEN program combines experience-based learning with next day implementation knowledge to equip first-generation college students with the confidence and tools needed to navigate their higher education journey.

Creative Vida works closely with program managers and advisors at universities and community colleges in the Greater Houston area to mindfully select first-generation students to participate in the program.