Last year, Gorham High School’s (GHS) Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) started the student led Dress for Success program. The JMG program helps students get prepared for life after high school or college.

“In JMG, we teach soft skills, like showing up on-time, working hard, when its o.k. to call out of work, etc., and part of that is dressing for success,” said Ryan Chicoine, JMG advisor.

Dress for Success was created to help students dress up for job interviews, class presentations, or any other formal event. Currently, the program is organized and managed by senior Isaac Carroll.

“It was started because some kids may not have the money to afford dress clothes. Dress clothes can get expensive. In addition, we realized that sometimes kids just don’t have the knowledge until they are in that situation,” said Chicoine.

Everything is free and accessible to all GHS students. The clothing items can either be borrowed or kept, no questions asked.

At first, Dress for Success consisted only of clothing that was purchased from Goodwill, but as word spread, the program grew. Now, donations by students, teachers, and the community have enabled students to access button-up shirts, suits, ties, blouses, skirts, etc.

Additionally, JMG has started to collect prom dresses, tuxedos, suits, and ties for prom season. The Dress for Success program would like to help out anyone who wants to go as it can get very expensive.

It is very easy to donate. Clothing can be dropped off in the main office or directly in the JMG room at GHS. Current needs include clothing for interviews such as khakis, dress pants, ties, etc. Anything that is still in good shape or very lightly worn is appreciated.