GRADitude Project Makes Fashionable Return for Calgary's Graduating Classes
The GRADitude Project is back for another year, ensuring every high school senior in Calgary and nearby communities can dress to impress for their graduation ceremonies without financial worries. This barrier-free initiative offers completely free suits and dresses to any Grade 12 student, with no questions asked about their circumstances.
Program Details and Schedule
Organized through a collaboration between Trellis Society and Youth Central, the GRADitude Project takes place over two weekends: March 14-15 and April 18-19. The program represents a unification of previous separate initiatives—Youth Central's Cinderella Project for dresses and Trellis Society's Grad Town for suits and dresses—now combined under one banner for their second year of joint operation.
Kadie Hughes, Trellis Society volunteer and community engagement lead, explained the program's origins: "Historically, Youth Central did the Cinderella Project, which was a free event for grad dresses for kids in the city, and Trellis did a Grad Town, offered suits and dresses. So, we came together last year, and this is our second year doing this event together."
Comprehensive Services for Students
The program offers far more than just clothing. Each hour, groups of 10 students work with personal shoppers who help them select their perfect outfit, followed by professional alterations to ensure proper fit. An alterations team handles everything from hemming to strap adjustments, with all modified garments ready for pickup by May 2—providing several weeks before the earliest graduation ceremonies.
Additional amenities include:
- A swag table with makeup and personal hygiene products
- Free updos provided by Delmar College
- Gender-inclusive options with creative alterations available
- Notes and messages from previous participants displayed on walls
Significant Financial Relief for Families
Hughes emphasized the substantial cost savings the program provides: "An average dress cost is between like $300 and $800, suits go for $500 or more, plus the ticket, if you're getting your hair done, and all those little things add up. This is a huge weight lifted off families. It's a big cost."
The program served approximately 200 youth in 2025 and has expanded to support 240 graduates in 2026. During the first weekend alone, about 120 students participated, with another 120 expected during the April sessions.
Sustainable Clothing Cycle
With an inventory of more than 2,000 dresses and suits, the GRADitude Project operates on a sustainable model. Students who participate typically donate their outfits back to the program after their graduation events. Any clothing not reused gets donated to partner agencies like Women in Need Society, ensuring continued community benefit.
The program's success demonstrates how community collaboration can address practical needs while celebrating academic achievements. By removing financial barriers to graduation attire, the GRADitude Project helps ensure all students can fully participate in this important milestone regardless of their economic circumstances.
