With prom season just around the corner, the Bridge of Lubbock is working hard to make sure that they are able to help send as many teens in the area to their school proms.

On April 2 and April 9, the Bridge of Lubbock will host “Project: Prom” for students from Lubbock-area schools to come by and try on donated prom dresses and suits.

Project: Prom was started in 2011 after board members realized there was an urgent need for a program that could help send high school students from low-income families to prom without the financial stress of having to buy an expensive dress or suit.

“Ever since then, it’s just exploded and different organizations have taken up similar roles and helped even more people,” said Whitney Owen, the Director of Youth Programming at the Bridge of Lubbock. “Students, male and female, they can come and pick out a dress, a tux, a suit and you know just something that makes them feel super special for their prom. Prom is such an exciting time during high school, so we just want them to have that same experience.”

It is Owen’s first year taking over the big annual project. She recently graduated from Texas Tech in May with a degree in social work and says she’s excited to lead this year’s event. She has some advice for those who have difficulty parting ways with some of their treasured prom dresses that have been hanging in closets for years.

“If you had an amazing night we want these girls and guys to have the same experience,” said Owen. “You might’ve only gone to prom once, so you wore that dress once, so it’s just been sitting in your closet for five years, and we’d just love for you to bless someone else using that same dress.”

Johnna Weatherbee, the School Support Service Improvement Coordinator for L.I.S.D, has also been working closely with Owen on the project. She has been coordinating with the L.I.S.D high schools to help get the word out on the project in their hallways.

“Prom can be a very expensive event, so this is one more way that LISD wants to work with parents and help them for the better,” said Weatherbee.

She wants to encourage parents to come with their students to the Project: Prom day events.

“We hope for a huge turnout of girls and guys with their moms or dads. L.I.S.D is looking for a way to always serve our community and this is one way that we feel like we can have a hand in helping and Project: Prom is a way to help offset some of those expenses.”

In addition to Lubbock ISD, several organizations and agencies within the city have also shown their support through various donations, such as Cut the Chase Beauty and Barber Salon, Vogue College of Cosmetology, Vogue Nails and Spa, Texas School of Cosmetology, Tuxedo Junction, Bo Tan, Dream Center of Lubbock and Savers.

On April 2, the Bridge of Lubbock will be holding Project: Prom for students from Lubbock ISD. On April 9, they will hold it for students from the surrounding Lubbock districts and rural communities.

The Bridge of Lubbock will be taking donations through April 4.

If you are interested in donating to this year’s Project: Prom, you can do so by dropping off your donations at the Bridge of Lubbock at 1301 Redbud Ave. If you have any questions, or would like to know how to get more involved, you are encouraged to call the Bridge of Lubbock at (806) 687-0772.