Students can step into the Project Prom/Project Homecoming store in Lakeland Square Mall and explore the array of colorful gowns, dapper suits, and sparkly accessories.
Project Homecoming, led by UthMpact teen leaders, offers free formalwear to all Polk County high schoolers, ensuring milestone moments like homecoming and prom remain within reach for families feeling the squeeze of rising costs.
Angie Ellison, executive director of InnerAct Alliance, which oversees UthMpact, described how the store has grown from a 20-by-20 foot pop-up boutique to a larger location at Lakeland Square mall with over 1,000 outfits.
Why it matters: Homecoming isn’t cheap
With costs for formalwear, shoes, and tickets, the strain on ALICE families — those that are above the poverty line, employed but struggle with the basics — cuts even deeper.
In Polk County, ALICE families make up 32.9% of the population, according to the United Way of Central Florida and GiveWell Community Foundation’s dashboard.
Ellison noted parents have told her they faced choosing between a dress and fixing the family car. She said that several families at the event last weekend on Sept. 6 shared how much of a “real blessing” the program was during a hard financial time.
She shared the story of a ninth grader, who chose a big pink princess gown, moving her parents to tears — a reminder how much this program means to families.
On Saturday alone, Project Homecoming gave away a record 84 outfits, with close to 100 families visiting. Ellison said the program now serves 400-500 students each year, up from about 100 annually just a few years ago.
Project Homecoming 101
To participate, students need to:
- Bring their Polk County School ID.
- Sign a Project Hoco Pledge to make safe, healthy choices.
Ellison explained the pledge is paired with a brochure for parents and students about safe decision-making — covering impaired driving, substance use, and group safety plans.
The program started 15 years ago with UthMpact’s first leadership class, and has expanded each year thanks to donations from bridal shops, community groups, and service organizations.
The store opens several times each season — as Project Homecoming in the fall and Project Prom in the spring.
The next student shopping days are 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on:
- September 13
- October 4 and 11
Get involved
Project Homecoming and Project Prom relies on community support. Donations of dresses, suits, purses, jewelry, and cash help keep the boutique stocked.
To donate or volunteer:
- Drop off items year-round at InnerAct Alliance: 621 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL
- Program is in need of: small men’s suits, larger women’s dresses, and accessories
- Seamstresses and skill volunteers are welcome
How UthMpact works
UthImpact is a youth leadership program with two students from each Polk high school, modeled after Leadership Lakeland. UthMpact’s mission is to educate and empower teens to make healthy decisions when it comes to alcohol and drug use. Students attend monthly leadership days, then form committees like Project Prom and Project Homecoming.
Modeling safe choices
UthMpact leaders have a chance to volunteer in the store with adult supervision, while being a role model to their peers.
“It’s really about changing the conversation… these are student leaders so their peers recognize them. If they see leadership kids are not about partying and about having a great time and a great memory, then maybe that’s what they should do as well,” said Ellison.
LkldNow’s Insight Polk independent reporting initiative is made possible by the Community Indicators Project with funding by GiveWell Community Foundation & United Way of Central Florida. All editorial decisions are made by LkldNow.
Kayla Borg is a reporter for LkldNow, a nonprofit newsroom providing independent local news for Lakeland. Read at LkldNow.com.
