Free Prom Attire

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) continues the tradition of offering eligible high school students prom attire at no cost. Since 2003, DHS has provided formal wear to more than 1,100 students through Project Prom. This year, the giveaway will take place on March 23, 24, and 25 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Project Prom shop on the third floor of Century III Mall.

Any high school student in Allegheny County is eligible to participate in Project Prom if he or she meets one or more of the following criteria:

• Currently receiving services or is eligible to receive services through DHS.
• Currently enrolled in the free school lunch program.
• Has parent(s) receiving unemployment compensation.

Each young lady will be paired with a personal shopper to help her find the perfect prom dress. She will be able to select from new and almost-new formal wear, including gowns, shoes, purses and accessories. The gowns and accessories are available through the generosity of retail establishments and the general public. All of the gowns have been carefully screened to ensure each is clean, undamaged and stylish. Additionally, there are a limited number of tuxedo rental gift certificates available for young men.

Upon completion of the giveaway event, a public sale will be held on Wednesday, March 31, from 12 to 6 p.m. At the sale, the community can support this worthwhile project by purchasing dresses for $25 and under with all proceeds benefiting Project Prom.

For more information about Project Prom, including the eligibility criteria and registration form to receive prom attire, and how to make a donation, please visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/projectprom or call 412-350-3428 and leave a message. Eligible high school students may also complete a registration form at the Project Prom shop on the on the days of the giveaway.

Prom at the Union Project

Saturday, May 23rd, starting at 8 p.m., the Union Project invites Pittsburgh to relive and re-imagine prom by joining  us for an evening of entertainment, throwback activities, dance lessons, and enjoyment to raise funds for our community programming. This inaugural event will be held at the Union Project, 801 N. Negley Ave., and is open to individuals  over 18 years of age. 

Featured will be DJs Honeycombs, Supa C and Omar Abdul, in addition to dance lessons with Coal Country, a bachelor/bachelorette auction, and crowning of prom king and queen. Pittsburgh Prom will be co-emceed by Stephan Bontrager of 91.3fm WYEP and Cleopatra C. Krayola. Tickets for this event are available online (www.unionproject.org) for $30 in advance, $20 with student ID, or $35 at the door. Additional information is available by contacting Jeffrey Dorsey, Program Manger, at 412-363-4550 x 26, or emailing Jeffrey@unionproject.org.