What is Trash the Runway?
Our Program
Trash the Runway puts young people in the role of artists, creators, and changemakers, turning what others see as waste into something beautiful and unexpected. We challenge middle and high school students to transform discarded materials into extraordinary works of wearable art.
In the process, they build confidence, resilience, creativity, and critical thinking skills while discovering the power of their own voices. Their work inspires the community to rethink waste, embrace possibility, and imagine what can happen when young people are empowered to think big, create boldly, and drive change.
We turn waste into wonder-but more importantly, we turn possibility into action.
Our Exhibition
The culmination of Trash the Runway's program is a public runway show that functions as a professional arts exhibit open to the entire community. Featuring original wearable art constructed entirely from discarded materials, the annual show presents the work of young artists to a broad public audience, enlightening and entertaining through the visual and performing arts while celebrating creativity, sustainability, and the transformative power of the next generation.
Our Mission
Trash the Runway transforms young people into changemakers through radical acts of creativity. Our goal is to build a community of designers, artists, mentors, volunteers, and audiences who are invested in turning waste into wonder, stories into power, and imagination into change. Our program unlocks the resilience, confidence, and ingenuity to ensure our next generation, and the broader community, are inspired to think big, be empowered, and act boldly to drive change.
Donate
Donating to Trash the Runway supports the creativity and sustainability awareness of our students. With your help, we can offer scholarships to students in need of financial assistance, expand our program to more students in different locales, and put on a great show for our community. Donate today or learn about becoming a Trash The Runway sponsor.
In Partnership
We partner with Blue Sky Bridge, a Boulder County organization that fosters safe communities, healing, and justice to end child abuse. Together, our two organizations help build resilience and confidence in young people so they can reach their full potential in life.
Financials
IRS 501(c)3 Form 990 available upon request
Federal Tax ID: 83-2674488