SAGINAW, Mich. — United We Go is accepting applications for youth ages 4 to 17 for its fourth annual I AM Youth Fashion Show, a Great Lakes Bay Region program that blends fashion, creative expression and confidence-building for children and teens. The casting call is scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. April 25 at CMURC Saginaw, 203 Washington Ave., Suite 206. The application deadline is April 24, and the fashion show is set for July 12.
The 2026 program centers on a new “I AM” series built around five statements: “I AM Creative,” “I AM Strong,” “I AM Worthy,” “I AM Important” and “I AM Resilient.” United We Go says the program is designed to help young people reflect on identity, build self-confidence and express themselves in a supportive setting. No prior modeling experience is required.
Organizers describe the fashion show as more than a runway event. Selected participants will take part in two to three training sessions and a full rehearsal before the July show, with instruction focused on runway confidence, posture, self-expression, communication, stage presence, teamwork and collaboration. The program is open to young people from across the Great Lakes Bay Region.
The fashion show is part of United We Go’s broader youth empowerment work in Mid-Michigan. On its website, the nonprofit says the I AM Youth initiative has grown from a single-day event into a broader program that includes empowerment workshops, storytelling, mentorship and community partnerships. United We Go’s 2025 event in Bay City featured 54 youth models ages 4 to 17, following earlier shows that also expanded in participation and community reach.
A related wearable art workshop tied to the 2026 fashion show is also planned in Saginaw. The two-session workshop, led by multimedia artist Allise Noble, is scheduled for April 24 and May 8 at the same Washington Avenue location. Participants will create personalized fashion pieces and will have the opportunity to showcase that work at the I AM Youth Fashion Show.
For more information about the I AM Youth Fashion Show, visit unitedwego.org.
