Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Making Progress: Innovative Workforce Education Program Launches at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility
Posted on 10/01/2025
The New Jersey Department of Corrections has launched a new fashion design and workforce development program at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in partnership with Pratt Institute. Supported by the NJDOC’s DEPTCOR and the Division of Women’s Services, the program is one of the first of its kind in the United States, joining similar international efforts in Milan, Italy, and London, England.
The Design Studio replicates a professional design environment where incarcerated women can gain technical skills, creative confidence, and real-world experience that carry beyond the prison walls. And the Design Studio does more than teach fashion. It helps participants develop collaboration, accountability, and problem-solving habits that transfer directly into the workplace. These skills are in demand in New Jersey and beyond, from apparel production facilities to design studios and local manufacturers.
Over the course of ten months, participants complete structured instruction led by Pratt faculty and NJDOC staff. The curriculum begins with sketching, garment fitting, and mood boards before moving into draping, patternmaking, and garment construction. Training extends into digital design, where students gain proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and other professional tools. Along the way, they produce prototypes, prepare technical packs, refine designs through fittings, and develop portfolio-ready work. Coursework also explores branding, niche markets, supply chains, and ethical sourcing. Each student concludes the program with a capstone project that includes redesigning the institutional uniform, producing both a prototype garment and professional documentation ready for production.
The launch of the Design Studio reflects the combined expertise of DEPTCOR and the Division of Women’s Services in advancing vocational training tailored to women’s needs. By joining technical education with creative expression, the program equips participants with tools to build meaningful futures for themselves and stronger connections to their communities.
