While prom is considered a universal high school experience, the high cost of buying a ticket as well as a dress discourages and limits many students from attending. For the past seven years, the M-A chapter of the Princess Project has been attempting to lessen this cost by giving prom dresses to hundreds of Bay Area students.
Part of a larger, statewide effort, the Princess Project aims to “promote self-confidence and individual beauty by providing free prom dresses and accessories to high school teens who cannot otherwise afford them.” Not only do they collect dresses and accessories, but they host giveaway events, where attendees are matched by personal shoppers to their perfect dress. Last year, the Bay Area alone donated close to 3,000 dresses, a number they are hoping to surpass in 2018.
At M-A, the Princess Project is organized through the Key Club, a general service club, run by junior Grace Carlson. Carlson remarked, “last year, M-A donated about 100 dresses…a much higher amount than is normally given.” However, Carlson commented: “We are hoping for a large number this year as well” and is encouraging M-A students to donate dresses and accessories such as jewelry and if they have them.
The Princess Project is especially important at M-A, where the severe economic divide in our student body means many of the dresses donated by M-A students will go to M-A students.
Carlson mentioned that “many, many M-A students get prom dresses through the Princess Project.” If you would like to receive a dress, click this link or visit the Princess Project to learn more. Because space is limited, be sure to register as soon as possible if you need a dress.
Students can drop off prom dresses, formal gowns, fancy party dresses, jewelry and shoes through March 10th in the pink box in the office. Dresses must have been bought in the last five years, be new or in nearly excellent condition and be cleaned.
Overall, the Princess Project and its M-A chapter do an incredible job in offsetting the high cost of prom by providing free dresses, allowing a larger number of girls not only to attend prom but to feel confident in their outfit as well.
Such a strong article and such an innovative solution to make prom a less exclusive and more inclusive experience for all students.