It's something that most high school juniors and seniors look forward to all year long- prom.
However, one NOPD officer realized some girls weren't going to prom because they couldn't afford to buy a dress. She decided to change that.
Shawmika Barnes is a senior at Landry Walker High School and she already has an idea of what she wants to wear for prom.
"I love short dresses, pinks," Barnes said.
Prom dresses are not cheap and last year Barnes was worried about saving enough money to go to junior prom. That all changed when NOPD Officer Qiana Lewis came to her school with everything she'd need for the big night.
"They came to our class and did our hair and makeup and all that and made us feel so pretty and so thankful that people are actually out there to help us," Barnes said.
Officer Lewis learned one of her relatives skipped prom because it was too expensive. That's when she started collecting dresses to give to other students in the same boat.
"It cuts down on the cost for the young ladies because we've all been there at some point in time," Lewis said.
The program has grown since then.
"We're just getting donations after donations after donations," Lewis said.
Landry Walker High School social worker Cheryl Lobdell says it's making a big impact in the school, where students are relieved to get a little extra help.
"The kids just love it," Lobdell said.
Participating student Ashante Wallace agreed.
"It's a good opportunity for students," Wallace said. "It's gonna help them out tremendously."
For Officer Lewis it's about more than fashion. It's about empowering the next generation of women, one dress at a time.
"I tell them 'we believe in you, we care about you and we want to see you succeed because you are our future leaders,'" Lewis said.
If you'd like to donate new or gently used prom dresses, you can drop those off at the following locations:
Fourth District Police Station 2405 Sanctuary Drive
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School 919 Cambronne Street
NOPD Headquarters 715 South Broad