NJDOC, Pratt Institute launch fashion design program for incarcerated women at Edna Mahan
CLINTON, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC), in partnership with Pratt Institute, announced the launch of a fashion design and workforce development program at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility (EMCF), one of the first of its kind in the United States.
“This program represents a milestone in correctional education,” said NJDOC Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. “We are excited to leverage Pratt Institute’s renowned art and design programs with the Department’s existing vocational and technical education programs. This collaboration will prepare participants for release by providing them with both state-of-the-art technical skills and the discipline, professionalism, and confidence needed to succeed.”
The Design Studio provides incarcerated women with a professional-level curriculum in fashion design, apparel construction, digital design, and business planning. The initiative aligns with NJDOC’s mission to advance rehabilitation and reentry through education and vocational opportunities, while highlighting collaboration with leading academic and industry partners.
“Pratt Institute is a natural partner here—creativity, design, and innovation are at the heart of what we do, and those values translate powerfully into helping people build new futures,” said Maira Seara, dean of Pratt Institute’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. “Together, we’re opening doors, fostering dignity, and investing in safer, stronger communities.”
The 10-month, 40-week program is led by Pratt faculty with support from NJDOC staff. At its conclusion, participants will receive a certificate of completion from Pratt’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Coursework ranges from sketching, draping, and garment construction to Adobe Illustrator and InDesign training, branding, ethical sourcing, and production readiness.
“The Design Studio represents correctional education and training at its best by equipping women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed both during incarceration and in the community after release,” said Helena Tomé, assistant commissioner of NJDOC’s Division of Women’s Services.
“Upon completion, graduates will have demonstrated mastery of garment construction, digital design, portfolio development, and marketing strategy,” added Brian Gallagher, deputy director at DEPTCOR. “The Design studio is about giving these women the tools to build real and marketable skills.”
The program culminates in a capstone project requiring participants to redesign the institutional uniform, presenting both a prototype garment and professional documentation for production.
