ELLENSBURG, Wash., Oct. 26 -- Central Washington University issued the following news release:

In the ever-fluid fashion industry, hands-on experience is crucial to the successful launch of a career after college.

To this end, the Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising (ATM) program at Central Washington University has built networking and internship opportunities right into the curriculum.

This year, thanks to a thoughtful collaboration between ATM Program Director Andrea Eklund and her contacts at the Washington Shoe Company, four students took part in the inaugural session of an internship program built alongside CWU from the ground up.

"We've had a great relationship with the Washington Shoe Company for some time, and in the spring, ...