Prom Season: Worcester DA Offers Grants For Safe Events

WORCESTER, MA — It's already time to start thinking about prom and graduation.

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. is now accepting requests from county school districts and parent groups for mini-grants to pay for post-prom and post-graduation activities. The goal is to keep young people from engaging in risky behavior as they celebrate.

"This time of year is supposed to be a celebration for students and their families, but too often we see tragedies," Early said in a news release. "We’re hoping these grants will assist more schools in
offering safe options for students."

Most normal end-of-school gatherings have looked very different over the past two springs due to coronavirus. Approaching spring 2022, all high-school age students will have access to vaccines and booster shots, however. That might mean a return to more normal celebrations.

The grants for the safe celebrations comes from the state Office of Victim Assistance Drunk Driving Trust Fund. Groups that want to request funding should email ellen.miller@mass.gov by Feb. 17.