I fully agree with some of the gripes that Leah has with Teen Vogue (seriously, the duration of their internships is growing painful). However, while browsing the site recently, I came upon a program Teen Vogue sponsers that seems like it may be worthwhile.

Teen Vogue Fashion University takes place throughout the weekend of October 26-28 in a variety of venues in NYC. The event is designed for girls ages 18-22 who are looking to become involved in some aspect of the fashion industry.

The list of guest speakers is impressive, ranging from designers Vera Wang and Phillip Lim to Tim Gunn (from Project Runway) to fashion and beauty photographer Kevin O’Brien. For $150, “students” will get to choose which seminars they would like to attend, recieve a tour of the Teen Vogue offices, attend a concert by up-and-coming band Locksley and network with some major names in the fashion world.

In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Teen Vogue editors and the next GO! International designer for Target (Erin Fetherston, maybe?).

Apparently, sources who had attended last year’s Fashion U claim to have walked away with some sweet giveaways and valuable information.

The downside? You need to apply. Applicants are not informed of their acceptance until mid-September, which may be difficult for girls who live outside of the parameters of NYC. The site doesn’t specify how many people are accepted into the program, so hopefully the range of students is not confined to editor’s daughters and their friends.

Otherwise, I’d say Fashion U is a go. What other opportunity does a normal college girl have to be in the same room with multiple movers and shakers of the fashion world?