TEXTILES.ORG
Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) and The Textile Gateway by the FabricLink Network (FLN) have partnered to advance careers and technical education in the textile industry.
“Fueling interest among the next generation is essential to preserving and advancing this industry,” says Robert Finnegan, head of education and workforce development at AFFOA. “TheTextileGateway.org program is a powerful catalyst, and we are excited to partner to reveal the heart and soul of textiles through accessible, compelling video storytelling.”
AFFOA’s CTE Toolkit for Advanced Textiles Manufacturing, alongside FLN’s The Textile Gateway, provides targeted, actionable paths to address industry supply-chain needs. The Textile Gateway’s mission is to educate and inspire K-12 students about textiles and the various career paths within the field. The program highlights how textiles are used, how new technologies and sustainability strategies shape product development, and how smart textiles and bio-based/textile-inspired innovations create opportunities for scientists, engineers, designers and technicians.
“We’re thrilled to partner with AFFOA to educate and energize students about the vast opportunities in textiles,” says Tom Swantko, director of TheTextileGateway.org. “Today’s K–12 curricula often gloss over textiles. Through The Textile Gateway, students learn how AI [artificial intelligence], robotics, automation, and computer science are transforming textile creation, and the rewarding careers that accompany those advances.”
AFFOA and The Textile Gateway invite industry participation to help create content. Industry-related videos, such as mill tours, facility processes and technology interviews, will be featured on The Textile Gateway and AFFOA’s upcoming CTE Toolkit for Advanced Textiles Manufacturing.
To participate, contact Finnegan at RFinnegan@affoa.org or Swantko at TomS@TheTextileGateway.com.