Mnatsakanyan, who is the vice president of philanthropy for the UCLA chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha sorority, called on her sisters -- many of whom are from Glendale and Burbank schools -- to help establish the program with help from the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
The women hope to solicit donations of cash, tickets, dresses, shoes and other accessories. They are also looking for volunteers to do hairstyling and manicures.
"Our main thing is trying to get dress donations that are in good condition so girls can feel confident when they go to the prom," she said.
"Anyone can donate from anywhere."
She hopes to launch the program this year and expand it to other schools if it is successful.
Though it is still just a concept, Glendale High School's Associated Student Body advisor, Mary Hazlett, is already putting out feelers with school administrators.
"It sounds wonderful and [the administrators] are absolutely for it," Hazlett said. "Anything that doesn't limit kids from activities based on money."
Tickets for the 2006 prom are $85 per person and must be purchased ahead of time, Hazlett said.
And the cost is compounded because of other year-end expenses such as Grad Night, graduation and buying yearbooks, which are $75 each. About 800 students attend Glendale High School's annual prom, yet 50% of the school's 3,100 students live below federal standards for poverty, Hazlett said.
Administrators are also working on creating a discrete application for girls who want to apply for the program, Hazlett said.
"So many girls find it stressful to come up with the money at the end of their senior year," Hazlett said. "We'd like to be able to alleviate that problem so everyone can afford to go to the prom."
Those interested in making a donation can send an e-mail to fairygodmother.nscs@gmail.com.
20060117it7r8gnc(LA)Elina Mnatsakanyan
