Project Prom brings free pop-up shop to Johnson City High School

The Eminent Saqqara Chapter of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. partnered with Johnson City High School on April 17 to make prom a little more accessible for local students by hosting Project Prom, a free prom pop-up shop. 

Volunteers from Omega Phi Beta sorority, Lambda Upsilon Lambda fraternity, and Phi Beta Sigma fraternity supported the event, which offered prom essentials including dresses, suits, tuxedos, shoes, purses, and accessories. Students could stop by during their study halls to browse a selection of options at no cost. While Johnson City High School typically hosts a boutique around this time of year, this event gave students access to a wider variety and volume of items.

For the members of Mu Sigma Upsilon, the event was about more than just prom essentials. The idea grew out of a moment of reflection within the sorority. Kaylin Camacho, a junior majoring in psychology and the chapter's secretary and community service chair, noted that members wanted to give back in a way that felt personal. 

"A lot of us in our chapter have a passion for children and helping people in need, specifically, because these issues really hit home for us," Camacho said. "We figured prom is one of those big expenses, and wanted to help alleviate some of that stress."

What followed was months of planning, fundraising, collecting donations, and individually sourcing items. The chapter placed donation boxes across campus and ran a social media fundraising campaign throughout the month leading up to the event. Members also leaned on a strong alumni network to help raise funds. When it came to sourcing items, the team visited thrift stores, shopped online, and secured partnerships, including donations and discounts from Steve Madden and Ulta, to round out the shop's offerings.

Project Prom was a true community effort, thanks to the support of organizations across Binghamton University. 

“We are incredibly grateful for all of the thoughtfulness that the sororities and fraternities directed toward partnering with an array of community partners,” said Matthew Santos, youth initiative graduate assistant with the Center for Civic Engagement, who helped organize the event. “These collaborations gave our high school students access to an extraordinary prom experience.”