Miami-Dade Students Receive Prom Attire Through Project Upstart

Program provides free dresses, tuxedos, and accessories to students facing financial hardship

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:34pm

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A dreamy, impressionistic photograph showing the blurred silhouettes of high school students trying on formal wear, conveying the excitement and joy of preparing for prom.Project Upstart's free prom attire giveaway helps Miami-Dade students in need experience the magic of prom without financial stress.Today in Miami

The Project Upstart Program at Miami-Dade County Public Schools is helping students in economically fragile conditions enjoy prom season by providing them with free dresses, tuxedos, shoes, and accessories at The Prom Boutique located at Lindsey Hopkins Technical College. The program aims to ensure these students can fully participate in prom and other senior year activities without the financial burden.

Why it matters

Prom can be an expensive experience for high school students, putting it out of reach for many families facing financial hardship. Project Upstart's free shopping experience and assistance with prom tickets and other senior year costs helps ensure all students can participate in these important milestones regardless of their economic situation.

The details

The Prom Boutique opens annually from March to June and serves 60 to 100 students each week, providing them with a wide range of prom attire and accessories at no cost. The program also collects donations and grants to help pay for prom tickets, grad bash, senior activities, and graduation caps and gowns for students in need.

  • The Prom Boutique opens every year from March to the first week in June.

The players

Project Upstart

A program within Miami-Dade County Public Schools that provides free prom attire and assistance with other senior year costs for students facing financial hardship.

Lindsey Hopkins Technical College

The location of The Prom Boutique, where students can select free dresses, tuxedos, and accessories for prom.

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What they’re saying

“They gave me the opportunity to have a chance to see all these beautiful dresses, to try this beautiful dress on. They also gave me the opportunity to not have to worry about buying the dress or the accessories.”

— Female Student

“It's honestly a relief, it's a really big relief. I'm enamored to be here. everything is so beautiful.”

— Female Student

“Finding a dress has been horrible. It was just bad experiences. The cost of the dresses is insane. They are bumped up just because it's labeled prom.”

— Female Student

“They come here, and they have all of the attire: tuxedos, shoes, ties, these amazing dresses, purses, accessories, even nail polish and makeup to ensure that their night is complete.”

— School District Representative

What’s next

The Prom Boutique will reopen in March 2027 to provide free prom attire and accessories to more Miami-Dade students in need.

The takeaway

Project Upstart's free prom shopping experience and financial assistance ensures that all Miami-Dade students, regardless of their economic background, can fully participate in the important milestones of prom and other senior year activities without the burden of high costs.