GRADitude Project – Graduation Attire Alterations Volunteer

Join the GRADitude Project and help local graduates feel confident and celebrated! As an Alterations Volunteer, you'll play a vital role in tailoring formal attire (graduation dresses/suit pants) to fit each individual beautifully and comfortably. In 2025, in partnership with Trellis Society and with the help of over 125 amazing volunteers, we outfitted nearly 200 graduates from across our city. 

Requirements:

Home Equipment:
- Sewing machine required
- Serger (optional but helpful)

Dress Alteration skills needed: 

- Hand stitching: hems, repairs
- Machine sewing: straight, zig-zag, overlock
- Taking measurements & fitting consultations
- Hemming formal dresses (rolled hems)
- Taking in/letting out seams
- Strap adjustments, zipper fixes, bodice shaping
- Fabric handling: chiffon, satin, lace, stretch
- Seam finishing: serging, French seams, binding
- Creative adjustments for comfort or modesty

Dress Pants Hemming – NEW this year!

- We need volunteers to also hem pants for graduates who select suits.
- Basic tailoring skills required
- Experience working with wool blends, polyester, and suiting fabrics is helpful
- Focus is on proper length and clean finish (machine or hand hem depending on style)

Event Attendance:
- Must attend the GRADitude event on March 14 and/or 15, 2026.  April dates will be announced in January
- Responsible for consultations, measurements, and pinning on-site
- Dresses or suits will then be taken home after your shift for alterations 
- All altered dresses must be completed and dropped off by April 30, 2026 at the Youth Central office

Additional Requirements:
- Must register as a GRADitude Volunteer on Youth Central's volunteer database. 
- Complete the GRADitude eLearning module
- Provide a valid police check (within the last 5 years)
 → Youth Central can cover the cost if needed

Support:
- On-site guidance will be provided by experienced Alterations Specialists

Ready to join?
We will host a Meet and Greet with our Alterations Specialists on January 14, 2026 to go over the details and a rundown of the event. If you’re interested in helping, please email Sylvia at graditudevolunteer@youthcentral.com by Dec 1, 2025.