Grad season is right around the corner, and the GRADitude Project is returning for another year to make sure every high school student in Calgary and surrounding communities is dressed for the occasion.
The program, presented by Trellis Society and Youth Central, takes place on March 14 and 15, followed by a second weekend on April 18 and 19.
On the tail end of their first weekend at St. Michael School, Trellis Society volunteer and community engagement lead Kadie Hughes said the project came together after both groups decided to unify under one banner.
“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,” Hughes said. “So, we came together last year, and this is our second year doing this event together.”
The barrier-free event is open to any Grade 12 student in Calgary and surrounding communities, where they can pick out a suit or dress, no questions asked and completely free of charge.
Youth volunteer Kyle Fraser organizes formalwear for weekend one of the GRADitude Project in Calgary on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Organized by the Trellis Society, the program outfits Grade 12 students with graduation attire regardless of financial circumstances.
Every hour, a group of 10 students has the opportunity to work with a “personal shopper” who will help them figure out what they plan to wear, and an alteration team for any needed adjustments.
“We have an alterations team that will do some hemming or straps that they need done, and at the end of the appointment they get to go to our ‘swag table,’ where they get to pick out some makeup or personal hygiene products, and anything that kind of elevates that experience for them,” she said. “Our alterations team will have all suits and dresses ready for May 2, which gives youths a couple of weeks before the earliest grad.”
The event is also gender-inclusive, and GRADitude volunteers are open to creative alterations to ensure everyone is comfortable with what they wear.
Notes from grads adorn a wall during weekend one of the GRADitude Project in Calgary on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Organized by the Trellis Society, the program outfits Grade 12 students with graduation attire regardless of financial circumstances.
‘A huge weight lifted off families’
In 2025, around 200 youth participated in the program. For 2026, Hughes said GRADitude will support 240 graduates.
“This is the first weekend in this event, and so over those two days, we had about 120 youths come through,” Hughes said. “Our last weekend is on April 18th and 19th. There’s still spots available there, but we are likely going to have it full, so another 120 youth coming that way.”
The program has more than 2,000 dresses and suits. Students who go through their program usually donate their outfits back into the program, and anything that isn’t reused is donated to partner agencies such as Women in Need Society.
Brittany Fraser organizes formalwear for weekend one of the GRADitude Project in Calgary on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Organized by the Trellis Society, the program outfits Grade 12 students with graduation attire regardless of financial circumstances.
Hughes said it can get pretty costly for families around grad season.
“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,” she said. “This is a huge weight lifted off families. It’s a big cost.”
Outside of attire, the program also offers cosmetic services.
“We have great donations of makeup and Delmar College will do free updos for the youth that are coming through for their grads,” she said. “Any way that we can support and like lowering that cost, we try to do that.”
Anyone looking to participate in the program can do so by visiting www.growwithtrellis.ca or www.youthcentral.com.
Notes from grads adorn a wall during weekend one of the GRADitude Project in Calgary on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Organized by the Trellis Society, the program outfits Grade 12 students with graduation attire regardless of financial circumstances.