Brett C.
Startup: The Philadelphia Prom Project
Age: 18 Hometown: Philadelphia
What problem does your startup solve?
Eighty-five dollars! Why is prom so expensive? It’s a very good question, one that many teens ask. Over the years, prices for prom shave increased drastically. It costs more to rent facilities, provide catering, and purchase even simple decorations. These expenses come to a hefty price, which is the main reason students do not attend. This problem occurs year after year in Philadelphia public schools.
Why is this problem important to you?
This problem is important to me personally because it affects my peers. I have been in many discussions with friends about why they couldn’t attend their prom; many reported it was due to the lack of finances. It took me time to contemplate and research the issue, but I found that there was no other program with a mission such as mine in Philadelphia. That is why I have started the Philadelphia Prom Project—to help and give back to my community. Every teenager should have an affordable prom.
How does your organization solve this problem?
The Philadelphia Prom Project is a non-profit organization that helps fund the proms of selected Philadelphia public high schools. The program works intensively to assemble vendor deals based on aggregating student demand, sponsorship funds and donations(from both corporate and local businesses)to fully subsidize prom for every person at a Philadelphia high school who can’t afford toattend.
What is the long-term goal of your organization?
The purpose of the program is to not only subsidize the cost of prom but to educate people about quality not having to be accompanied by great expense. We’re also searching for methods of expanding this program to include as many additional high schools as our resources can provide.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in Startup Corps?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that entrepreneurship cannot be taught in a textbook. After many guest workshops and being exposed to various business events, I have realized that certain things are best taught by experience. And hands-on experience is the best experience.