WORCESTER— The district attorney’s office is inviting submissions for grants aimed at bolstering secure post-prom and post-graduation events for students, with a specific focus on preventing impaired driving.
Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.’s office is currently accepting applications for the grant program, which has consistently backed events organized and supervised by adults. These events provide students with safe alternatives, free from drugs and alcohol, countering the high-risk activities that typically accompany end-of-year celebrations for high school students.
“Prom and graduation are supposed to be the best nights of high school,” Early said in a statement. “We want to avoid seeing these celebrations turn into tragedies. We know that life can change in the blink of an eye, and often does. By encouraging kids to celebrate in safe, fun environments, we can prevent a tragedy before it happens and ensure all our youth go on to fulfill their bright futures.”
The grant program is now in its sixth year and has supported post-prom and post-graduation events at more than 20 different schools across Worcester County.
According to an announcement, District Attorney Early felt it was vital to continue supporting these prevention programs and is utilizing his Drug Forfeiture Reinvestment Program this year. Funding to support these grants was previously provided by the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance Drunk Driving Trust Fund.
Schools and parent groups can apply for these grants to either support existing events or to assist in establishing new events. Applications for funding requests are due by Feb. 15, 2024.
To request a grant application, contact Julia Baronowski at Julia.baronowski@mass.gov or 774-317-2321.
