To promote student success and equity, UCSC's Career Success team proudly cut the ribbon on its latest initiative, the Career Clothing Closet during its grand opening ceremony on March 11, 2024. Located in the Hahn Student Services Building, 125, this venture marks a significant advancement towards ensuring all students have access to professional attire, irrespective of financial constraints.
The Career Clothing Closet operates as a business casual clothes pantry, providing students with diverse professional clothing items such as blazers, dress shirts, slacks, skirts, and shoes. The Career Clothing Closet aims to empower students as they navigate job interviews, internships, and networking opportunities by offering them the confidence and presentation necessary for success. Students may visit the Career Clothing Closet during Career Success’ Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and may take up to three pieces of clothing per quarter.
Volunteers, donors, and supporters were pivotal in bringing the University Closet to fruition. To date, Career Success has received more than 200 articles of clothing from 24 different departments within UCSC and two community members. “The idea of having a university closet was inspired when some community members reached out to us and asked if we took interview clothing and we, of course, agreed. Even though we really weren’t ready and didn’t have the systems in place yet to accept clothing, we couldn’t pass up on the opportunity,” says Emily White, Executive Director of Career Success.
The doors to the closet are now open, and there is plenty of room for more donations! Students, staff, and faculty members may also continue to donate any clean, lightly used interview clothing during regular business hours. Community members may also donate shopping cards to the closet. Career Success employees will use the funds on the cards to purchase clothing for the closet. As of now, there is a particular need for masculine-style clothing and shoes, along with plus sizes, but all donations are accepted.
Looking forward, the team is making plans to expand efforts. By reaching out to the Chamber of Commerce and department stores like Ross or Macy’s, Career Success has its sights on growing community connections – and the closet.
The March 11, 2024 grand opening of the Career Clothing Closet is a testament to UC Santa Cruz’s commitment to student success and equity. By eliminating barriers to professional attire, the university reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can thrive academically and professionally. With its doors now open, the Career Clothing Closet invites students to enter a world of possibility, where their potential knows no bounds.
How to donate
The Career Clothing Closet continues to accept donations during regular business hours. Community members may donate clean, lightly used interview clothing or shopping cards to local or online retailers.
Hours of operation
Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location
125 Hahn Student Services Building
