New York, NY — Fedcap today announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the Runway of Dreams Foundation and Agron, Inc. to provide students with and without disabilities who share a passion for accessibility and inclusive design an unprecedented opportunity to develop adaptive product solutions while working alongside industry professionals.

The initiative brings together Fedcap’s workforce development expertise, the Runway of Dreams Foundation’s mission to make fashion accessible to all, and Agron’s product creation leadership to create a real-world learning experience that prepares students for careers in design, business, innovation, and other industries where accessibility and inclusive thinking drive better outcomes.

For the first time, students in the Runway of Dreams Internship Program won't be working on a hypothetical case study—they’ll tackle a real business challenge. Working with Agron, the exclusive partner for adidas America adaptive accessories, students will develop and present a product pitch while being mentored throughout the process by Agron's design and marketing team. The experience provides an unprecedented opportunity to gain firsthand insight into how adaptive products are conceived, designed, refined, and brought to market.

The initiative is supported through the generosity of The Jordan Fund, whose longstanding commitment to expanding opportunities for children and individuals with disabilities is helping prepare the next generation of inclusive innovators.  

“This partnership represents exactly the kind of innovation that transforms industries to be more accessible while meeting a demand in the market,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap. “For the first time, our students won’t simply be learning about adaptive design—they will be solving real business challenges for a leading industry partner. By working directly with Agron’s professionals as mentors, they will experience the expectations, collaboration, and creativity that define today’s workplace. It is a powerful example of what happens when nonprofits, philanthropy, and industry come together to unlock talent that has too often been overlooked.”

“At Agron, we believe the most impactful products are created when consumer voices lead the design conversation. That’s why we are so excited to collaborate with the design interns and learn from their firsthand experiences,” said Laura Jenks, President of Agron, Inc. “Their perspectives will be instrumental to developing adaptive accessories that are not only functional, but truly meaningful and authentic to the people who use them. Working with Fedcap’s Runway of Dreams has been both an honor and an inspiration, and we are proud of our partnership and commitment to advancing inclusion through design. We are eager to see the interns’ creativity come to life!”

Students will work in teams to identify opportunities for adaptive innovation before presenting their concepts to Agron leadership, gaining firsthand experience in product design, market research, storytelling, and professional presentation skills. The collaboration reflects a growing recognition that individuals with disabilities bring invaluable lived experience and unique perspectives to product innovation, particularly in the rapidly expanding adaptive apparel and accessories market.

By pairing students with industry mentors and challenging them to solve authentic business problems, the initiative provides participants with meaningful professional experience while giving employers fresh perspectives informed by lived experience.