For over six years, the University of Kansas School of Nursing has partnered with the Don Bosco Charter High School to enhance the school's health education programs. On April 9, that partnership reached new heights as nursing students delivered over 130 prom dresses for Don Bosco students. The dresses were part of a donation drive conducted by the nursing students to help make the Don Bosco prom successful and memorable.

"Some of the Don Bosco students said it was hard for everyone [to go to prom] due to the costs of dresses and formalwear," said Dr. Ginger Breedlove, Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas School of Nursing. "The nursing students decided to conduct this drive to assist the girls in having a great prom."

Other examples of the University of Kansas School of Nursing's partnership with Don Bosco include a school-wide health fair, health screenings, health promotion newsletters, classroom instruction on health topics, and assistance with the health needs and/or referrals for at-risk students. In addition, 15 nursing students are working with girls at Don Bosco to make Pediatric cloth dolls that will be given to children admitted to the KUMC Emergency Department.

The Don Bosco Charter High School is one of six centers operated by Don Bosco. The school provides second chances for youth who have not thrived in traditional public school settings. This May, approximately 90 students will graduate with their high school diplomas. These students may not have completed their high school education without Don Bosco.

"We're so grateful for the community's support," said Principal Bernadette Barber. "The lives of our students are impacted for the better thanks to the generosity of those who walk along side us."

Have a story to share? E-mail Jennifer Anthony at janthony@donbosco.org.