2026 After-Prom and Graduation Grant Recipients Announced
Everyone at Herren Project is proud to announce the winners of our 2026 Post Prom/Grad Grants. With more than ninety applications submitted this year, selecting recipients was no easy task. Through a blind review and voting process, our team carefully narrowed the pool to three outstanding schools. Each of these recipients demonstrated a strong commitment to creating safe, substance-free celebrations while fostering inclusive and supportive environments for their students.
Mena High School in Mena, Arkansas
First place, with a $1,000 grant award, goes to Mena High School in Mena, Arkansas.
Herren Project was inspired by the prom committee’s dedication to providing a safe, substance-free event for their students, as well as their thoughtful and community-centered needs statement. Their commitment to ensuring all students have access to a meaningful after-prom experience truly stood out.
Mena High School serves approximately five hundred students in Polk County, a rural community where opportunities for late-night, supervised youth activities are limited. During prom season, students often remain out late celebrating, which can increase the potential for unsafe choices when structured alternatives are not available. This makes initiative-taking prevention efforts especially important in supporting young people to make healthy decisions before risks arise. Local first-response organizations are also partnering with the school to host a “Project Prom” event at the local fairgrounds, where students will witness a simulated crash scenario demonstrating the real-life consequences of driving under the influence. This educational experience reinforces the importance of responsible decision-making and safe driving choices for students during prom season.
Providing a safe, substance-free celebration during a milestone event like prom reinforces positive decision-making and helps reduce the likelihood of underage drinking or impaired driving. With this funding, the prom committee will be better equipped to create a memorable and secure experience that reflects both the achievements of their students and the values of their community.
Center Line Preparatory Academy, Center Line, Michigan
Second place, with a $750 grant award, is Center Line Preparatory Academy in Center Line, Michigan.
This tuition-free public charter school serves students in grades Y5–12 and focuses on building instruction around each student’s individual strengths and abilities. The grant committee was especially moved by the planning team’s commitment to creating a fun and safe experience for prom attendees.
As shared in their application: “Winning this grant would provide a safe haven for a class of incredible seniors who have worked hard to build the culture of Center Line Preparatory Academy. It allows us to show them that their safety is our priority, and that our community supports their choice to live substance-free. This funding is the only way we can provide an after-prom experience that is both affordable for our families and worthy of our seniors’ achievements.”
The planning committee is also excited to present attendees with a new concept: The Midnight Mentor Session. Moving beyond a simple party, they will introduce a brief, high impact session during the event. They will invite local leaders and alumni to share personal stories of how making healthy choices during their senior year led to their professional success. This connects the fun of the evening to the reality of their futures.
As a smaller school, working within a limited budget, this funding will help bring their vision to life and create a meaningful and memorable experience for their graduating class.
Mathis High School in Mathis, Texas
Third place, with a $500 grant award, goes to Mathis High School in Mathis, Texas.
Mathis High School serves a vibrant and diverse school community, where this grant will help expand opportunities and support meaningful student experiences.
This grant brings the school one step closer to making their event accessible and meaningful for all students. The school community is deeply committed to inclusion, ensuring students feel safe, supported, and valued.
Their dedication to student well-being is reflected in recent initiatives, including a student-led anti-bullying poster contest, where the winner received a $200 scholarship. Efforts like these help foster a positive school culture—one where students feel respected and better equipped to build healthy relationships.
Mathis High School was also recognized with the Texas Educational Theatre Association’s Award of Distinction for a Commendable Campus, highlighting their commitment to excellence in arts education. Creative expression offers students meaningful opportunities to process emotions and explore new perspectives, reinforcing the school’s focus on the whole student.
The school is planning a lock-in-style event for its graduating class of 105 students. With structured transportation, supervised programming, and a requirement that students remain on-site until the event concludes—with return transportation at 6:00 a.m.—the event is designed to provide a safe, substance-free celebration. Supported by a team of 20 dedicated adult volunteers, this experience will create a secure and lasting memory for the senior class.
Together, these schools reflect what is possible when communities prioritize prevention, inclusion, and student well-being. We are honored to support their efforts and look forward to seeing the impact of these celebrations on their students and communities.
Everyone here at Herren Project continues to be inspired by the individuals and student leaders who passionately promote and encourage the message of living a healthy, substance-free lifestyle.
To learn more about other scholarships and grants Herren Project offers for youth, check out: https://herrenproject.org/scholarships-grants/
