[KHTS] – Melissa Lampert

Hart district officials are looking to help students dress to impress with their annual program, Project Prom.

Project Prom provides stylish prom dresses, suits, shoes, jewelry and other accessories to students whose families may not be be able to afford to pay for all the expenses involved in attending prom.

The William S. Hart Union High School District, in partnership with the Assistance League of Santa Clarita, is offering Project Prom to students in need for the fifth year in a row, district officials announced Friday.

“We have a number of students that unfortunately cannot afford to go to the prom,” said Gail Pinsker, spokeswoman for Hart district. “We’re really happy the Assistance League is working to help make the dream of attending the prom a reality for many of our students who otherwise would not be able to attend.”

Students who are on the free and reduced lunch program at school are given the opportunity to purchase one dress for $10 with valid high school identification, and students who need financial assistance can receive a voucher for free prom attire from their school’s counselor, district officials said.

The rising cost of attending prom has become a concern for students, leading to the creation of facebook groups like “Saugus Against Overpriced Prom Tickets,” which has more than 85 followers. Programs like Project Prom help alleviate these concerns for students in need.

In a news release, Hart district officials said they are committed to serving students not only by providing a top-quality education, but also ensuring that their overall school experience is filled with positive memories and a variety of opportunities.

“It has been truly amazing,” Pinsker said. “I have personally seen girls trying on dresses in the past years with their moms looking on, and they’re both in tears with how beautiful their daughter looked in a stunning gown and that she is going to be able to have a fantastic memory from her high school years that would not have been possible otherwise.”

A collection drive has taken place the past few months at Assistance League Resale in Newhall, and prom attire donations are still being accepted at the store.

“We have such a generous community here and we’ve had a lot of women donating incredible formal gowns,” Pinsker said.

Assistance League Resale is located at 24364 Main St. in Newhall. The store is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday from 1 to 4 p.m.

For more information about Project Prom, contact Betti Sternberg at betti661@gmail.com.