Prince Charming Project Continues Mission To Uplift Young Men In St. Mary’s County

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — What started as a simple question — “What about our young men?” — has grown into a meaningful community effort helping middle school students step confidently into one of their first formal milestones.

According to a recent social media post from local community leader BJ Hall, preparations are already underway for the 2026 Prince Charming Project, a program designed to provide suits and formalwear to young men for school dances and milestone events.

The idea, Hall explained, began several years ago during a conversation with collaborator J.R. Gaskin. While numerous initiatives exist to provide dresses for young women attending proms and formals, the pair noticed a gap in support for boys.

“We had to do something about that,” Hall shared, describing the early brainstorming that led to the creation of the Prince Charming Project.

A Vision Revisited

The program initially aimed to partner with a local formalwear provider, but early plans fell through. In the years that followed, the project found support through Kohl’s, which helped sustain the initiative and expand its reach.

Now, organizers say the program has come full circle.

For 2026, the Prince Charming Project has successfully partnered with Carrington Formalwear, bringing the original vision to life. Representatives from the shop recently met with participating students, taking measurements and helping them prepare for upcoming events.

Hall described the moment with pride, noting that the young men are being outfitted “to be casket clean,” a phrase often used locally to describe being sharply and impeccably dressed.

Community Support At The Core

The program’s success, Hall emphasized, is deeply rooted in community collaboration. Staff members at Spring Ridge Middle School played a key role in supporting students throughout the process.

School leaders, including administrators and teachers, were recognized for their hands-on involvement and dedication to student success — both inside and outside the classroom.

Hall highlighted their presence as a reflection of how much educators care about their students, calling their support an essential part of the program’s impact.

More Than Just A Suit

Beyond formalwear fittings, the Prince Charming Project continues to provide a full experience for participants. Organizers say the next steps include tuxedo pickups and haircuts, ensuring each student is fully prepared for their special event.

For Hall, the project represents more than just clothing — it’s about confidence, dignity and making sure young men feel seen and supported during important moments in their lives.

“Definitely one of my favorite times of year,” Hall shared, expressing gratitude to the many volunteers and partners who have supported the initiative over time.

Looking Ahead

As the 2026 program moves forward, organizers are already inviting community members to get involved. Opportunities to volunteer remain open, and families are encouraged to consider the program for future participants, including rising eighth graders for the 2027 cycle.

With continued community backing, the Prince Charming Project aims to ensure that no student misses out on the chance to look — and feel — their best when it matters most.

The Prince Charming Project is part of a broader mission led by two local organizations committed to uplifting youth across St. Mary’s County.

About the Organizations

The Prince Charming Project and Project Cinderella are key community outreach initiatives led by the Carolyn E. Parker Foundation in partnership with RB&L1. Since launching Project Cinderella in 2013, the foundation has provided approximately 700 dresses to middle school girls, while RB&L1 joined the effort in 2021 to outfit boys — expanding the mission to ensure all students can attend their end-of-year dances with confidence.

Together, the organizations work with schools, nonprofits and local businesses to meet growing needs across the community, with a shared goal of making formal experiences accessible to every eighth-grade student.

The Carolyn E. Parker Foundation is rooted in a mission of service, focusing on supporting vulnerable populations through outreach, mentorship and essential resources. RB&L1 complements that work by equipping youth and young adults with professional, personal and leadership skills, while also connecting underserved individuals with opportunities for long-term stability and self-sufficiency in St. Mary’s County.

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