The Design and Merchandising program is designed to prepare students for employment or advanced post-secondary coursework in design production; apparel or home furnishings sales and manufacturing; custom fashion or interior design; supervisory positions in home furnishings and apparel manufacturing; and as buyers for retail establishments. A student completing this program will possess the technical knowledge and skills associated with fashion or interior design/production and selection, wholesale purchasing, sales and promotion. In addition to technical skills, students completing this program will also develop advanced critical thinking, career development, applied academic, life and employability skills, basic business practices and leadership skills required for entry into fashion or interior design and merchandising occupations. The program utilizes a delivery system made up of four integral parts: formal/technical instruction, experiential learning, supervised occupational experience and the Career and Technical Student Organization, FCCLA.