By Micah Bootman / Full360 Reporter

Students preparing for job interviews or internships at Delaware Valley University now have access to free professional clothing through a campus resource designed to remove financial barriers.  

Some students say they are only now learning about it.

Located on the second floor of Segal Hall, the Career Closet and Wardrobe Box program launched in fall 2025 after students voiced concerns about not having appropriate attire for interviews, internships and professional events. The initiative is supported by the university’s Center for Student Professional Development and is staffed in part by graduate student Trinity Maples.

Maples said the program was created directly in response to student needs.

“Students were talking about not having clothes to wear to interviews or internships,” Maples said. “This gives them an opportunity to feel prepared without worrying about the cost.”

The Career Closet provides business and business casual clothing that students can keep at no charge. All items are donated by faculty, staff and students. Because sizing and inventory vary, students must schedule an appointment through the university website under the current students section to try on clothing.

If the Career Closet does not have a student’s size, the Wardrobe Box program offers an alternative. The Wardrobe Box includes more casual, everyday clothing and allows students to request specific items such as scrubs, shoes and accessories. Students complete a request form, and organizers work to meet their needs.

Maples said the program is especially meaningful to her because of her upbringing in a low-income household. She said working hands-on with students has reinforced the importance of the resource.

“I work hands-on with this project, helping students get business clothes for free and keep them. That can really make a difference,” Maples said.

She added that professional clothing can influence both confidence and perception.

“The right clothes can give you the confidence you need to succeed,” Maples said. “When you look professional, you’re taken more seriously.”

While the program has been operating since the fall semester, some students said awareness appears limited. Ziyah Garland, a DelVal student, said he had not heard about the Career Closet before being asked about it.

“I didn’t even know we had that,” Garland said. “That would actually be really helpful, especially for interviews.”

Garland said professional clothing can be expensive for students managing other financial responsibilities.

“A lot of students don’t have extra money just sitting around to buy a whole new outfit,” he said. “If it’s free and you get to keep it, that makes a big difference.”

Ziyah Garland

Jahaire Johnson, another DelVal student, also said this was his first time hearing about the program.

“This is my first time hearing about it,” Johnson said. “I think a lot of students would use it if they knew.”

Johnson added that programs like the Career Closet could help students feel more prepared entering competitive spaces.

“Sometimes you feel out of place if you’re not dressed the part,” he said. “Having access to professional clothes could help students feel more confident walking into interviews or internships.”

Their responses highlight both the usefulness of the program and the need for increased campus awareness. Although the resource addresses a clear student concern, its impact may depend on how effectively information is shared.

Professional attire, particularly business wear or specialized clothing such as scrubs, can present a financial burden. By offering clothing at no cost, the university aims to remove one potential obstacle to career advancement. As internship and job application seasons approach, access to appropriate attire may play a practical role in students’ professional preparation.

Appointments are required to manage inventory and provide individualized assistance. Donations remain essential, and available sizes depend on what is contributed by the campus community.

Students navigating interviews, networking events and internships, the Career Closet and Wardrobe Box offer tangible support. As Maples emphasized, confidence and presentation can influence opportunity. Increasing awareness of the program may determine how many students are able to benefit from it in the semesters ahead.

For more information

To request a wardrobe box, go to this page.

To learn about the Career Closet, click here.