For many high school seniors, prom is a celebration of how far they’ve come and how much they’ve grown, a chance to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, surrounded by friends, dressed to the nines, and celebrated for who they are. But for some students, that vision of prom can feel out of reach. The cost of a tickets, outfits, shoes, hair, and makeup can add up quickly, turning what should be a joyful milestone into a difficult choice: attend and feel underdressed, or not attend at all.
That’s exactly the experience that inspired Nakeisha Daniels, the founder of Glam U, to take action. A single mother, Army veteran, and professional makeup artist, Nakeisha created Glam U out of a personal moment, one that shaped her high school memory and now fuels a larger mission. She went to her own prom in jeans because her family couldn’t afford a dress. Today, she works to make sure no student has to feel like they don’t belong.
Glam U, short for Glam University, is a nonprofit organization that provides completely free, head-to-toe makeovers for high school seniors, particularly those from under-resourced backgrounds. Through a mix of community donations, volunteer work, and fundraising, Glam U helps students show up to key senior year events like prom, homecoming, graduation, and senior photos looking and feeling their best.
This year, just ahead of McCaskey High School’s prom on Saturday, May 10, Nakeisha reached out to McCaskey social workers with a simple but powerful idea: Let’s do something big.
What started as a small outreach turned into one of Glam U’s largest events yet. Nearly 20 students participated in the full Glam U experience. The initiative included donated formalwear, shoes, accessories, professional hairstyling, makeup application, nails, and even catered food, all made possible through local support.
Social worker Liz White, who helped coordinate the effort from McCaskey’s side, reflected on how meaningful the day was for students:
“It was a really sweet experience. One student, who is gender fluid and usually dresses in sweats and a hoodie, showed up in the most traditionally feminine dress, makeup, nails, everything. You could just see how much joy she was feeling. She was glowing. It’s something I’ll always remember.”
The students arrived early that Saturday for a full day of pampering and support. From the moment they stepped in to pick out their dresses or suits, to the final touches on their hair and makeup, they were treated like they mattered, because they do.
The power of this experience lies not only in the outward transformation, but in what it unlocked for students internally: a sense of pride, self-expression, and comfort in their own skin. In a world that often asks students to tone themselves down, Glam U encourages them to show up fully as they are.
To Nakeisha, the Glam U volunteers, and every community member who donated dresses, shoes, services, and time, thank you. You helped rewrite what prom could look like for students who deserve every bit of that moment.
Thanks to Glam U, 20 more McCaskey seniors didn’t have to make that choice. They showed up, they got dressed up, and they celebrated their senior year with confidence and pride.
To those who want to support next year’s event, please consider following or reaching out to @glam_u on Instagram or visiting their website. Donations of attire, services, or funds help ensure more students have access to an experience they’ll carry with them long after high school ends.
When students feel celebrated and supported, they walk a little taller and that feeling can carry them through to the next big chapter in life. Because every student deserves to be reminded of their worth, not just on prom night, but every day.
