Warner Bros. Discovery Helps Students 'Say Yes to the Prom'

Say Yes to the Prom

Prom season is underway, and what does Warner Bros. Discovery have to do with those glitzy gowns and tuxedos? A lot! Now in its 11th year, SAY YES TO THE PROMan event that plays off of the TLC network's "Say Yes To The Dress," was first started by Warner Bros. Discovery to help students afford to go to their proms through dress donation drives. But fast forward to 2023, and today it is so much more.

Cable TV networks are always looking for opportunities to support socially responsible initiatives to better communities nationwide, and SAY YES TO THE PROM has become one of those staple events that can give young people a leg up for their next phase in life. 

Why It Matters

"Not only is prom a celebration of four years of work in high school, it opens the door to the next part of your life, whether it's community college, a four-year college, or a vocational school. As a result of this initiative, we've been able to develop partners for scholarships and internships," said Adria Alpert Romm, Chief People & Culture Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery, and creator of SAY YES TO THE PROM. 

What Is SAY YES TO THE PROM?

SAY YES TO THE PROM is an educational and charitable initiative that not only gives economically-challenged and strong academic-performing students, selected by the participating schools, the opportunity to go to their proms, but also provides mentorships, internships, and scholarships for beyond high school. These programs geared towards preparing students for college and careers are possible through Warner Bros. Discovery's educational and youth workforce partnerships with the Emma Bowen Foundation, The Posse Foundation, and the T. Howard Foundation.

Continuing to Make a Difference

This year, Warner Bros. Discovery partnered with returning retailers Macy's and Men's Wearhouse to give 1,000 selected students a prom shopping and one-on-one styling experience with the TLC network's Monte Durham from "Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta," and with stylists from CNN. Events took place this spring in Atlanta and Los Angeles.

  • "What initially began as a prom dress donation drive and outreach event in 2011 has since evolved into a nationwide initiative to help connect students with future internship and mentorship opportunities that help prepare them for their futures," said Romm.

Opening Doors

Kristina Rivera, a past participant of SAY YES TO THE PROM, is an example of the impact the program can make on promising students.

  • "I had the most amazing prom consultant. And she introduced me to the concept of an internship. I'd never heard of an internship before. And I made a mental note that I would try to intern at Discovery one way or another!" And she did. 
  • After graduating college and working in corporate communications and the events industry, Rivera landed a gig on the same team that works with SAY YES TO THE PROM, eight years after she participated as a student. 
  • "I'm so happy that it's still going on ... And to see students just like myself and be able to help them. To see the expressions on their faces when they see all the dresses and tuxedos. It makes me feel like I'm 17 again."