ESCC Students Create Campus Resource
A student-driven effort at Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) is transforming a simple idea into a meaningful resource for the campus community. The ESCC Clothing Closet, created by members of the Alpha Phi Chi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, was developed as part of the organization’s “College Project.” What began as a student-led initiative has quickly grown into a collaborative effort aimed at addressing a real and often overlooked need among students.
The inspiration for the clothing closet came after a “Dress for Success” campus fashion show and a partnership with Virginia Career Works. Through these experiences, students recognized that many of their peers lacked access to appropriate professional attire for interviews, internships, and job opportunities. Understanding how important appearance can be in building confidence and making strong first impressions, the group set out to create a solution that would directly benefit ESCC students.
The closet’s primary purpose is to provide free clothing, particularly professional wear, to help students feel prepared and self-assured as they pursue their academic and career goals. Located in the student lounge, the closet will initially be available exclusively to ESCC students. There is also a “Pop-Up” Clothing Closet Event on Tuesday, 4/14 from 12pm-4pm, to help students prepare for the ESCC Career Fair on campus April 22nd, from 11am-1pm at the Workforce Development Center.
This initiative would not have been possible without strong support and collaboration across the college and community. ESCC leadership, including President Dr. Daryl Minus, along with faculty, Career Services, and student clubs, played a key role in bringing the project to life. In addition, generous donations from community members filled the closet with a wide variety of clothing, exceeding expectations and ensuring that students will have access to diverse options. One awesome donation came from the family of former ESCC President, the late Dr. Richard Jenkins, who provided a variety of his professional business attire for the closet.
Looking ahead, students are exploring ways to sustain and grow the project, including the possibility of running a café to help fund and maintain the closet. The success of the initiative has already earned the Phi Theta Kappa chapter a five-star rating, highlighting its impact and effectiveness. For those involved, the project represents more than just a campus resource—it reflects teamwork, dedication, and a shared desire to leave a lasting, positive mark on ESCC before graduating. The clothing closet stands as a testament to what students can accomplish when they come together with a clear purpose.