Graduation can be a very exciting moment for many of our students, but for some, the cost of buying a graduation gown is another expense that impedes them from fully experiencing the culminating moment of their academic achievement. The Educational Opportunity Program has created the "Graduation Gown Lending Project" to support first generation and low income UC Berkeley students with free rental of graduation gowns.
Conceived by EOP Peer Academic Counselors, this project was created to help alleviate some of the hardships of graduation expenses. We appreciate any and all gown or monetary donations. With your help, we can ensure low-income students experience the special graduation day they have worked so hard to earn.
Program History
The Graduation Gown Lending Project launched in Spring 2013 just in time for year end ceremonies. Thanks to a gifts and donations from the University Section Club, EOP alumni, and many community supporters we were able to initiate the project in 2013 and have continued it for many years.
Post-pandemic, in 2021, we returned to campus with damaged inventory and limited capacity to re-launch this program. GGLP has been halted for graduation cycles, and we are excited to announce the relaunch in 2024. We have now partner closely with the Cal Student Store to rent gowns directly for our low-income undergraduate students.
Each semester we continue to receive a multitude of gown rental requests, and we are excited to continue growing this program to serve our community.
Application Process:
The Graduation Gown Lending Project is a service that is only offered to students that are EOP. In order to qualify for the project, a student must either be 1) Low-income and/or 2) First Generation and/or 3) Historically Underrepresented. If you fall under one of these categories, then you can apply for this service! Unsure of EOP status? Stop by the EOP office in 119 Cesar Chavez to be verified by one of our counselors or apply to be EOP here.
Unsure of EOP status? Stop by the EOP office in 119 Cesar Chavez to be verified by one of our counselors or email eop@berkeley.edu
Students that apply to the project will be verified if they are EOP by the GGLP team. Students will be notified within two weeks of applying if they were accepted or not.
Fall 2024 Application
The Graduation Gown Lending Project is officially back for students participating in Fall 2024 commencement and for students that are EOP eligible. The priority deadline to apply for a gown is November 12th at 5pm. We will continue to accept requests through November 25th depending on reminding availability. Students will be notified via email if they were approved for a gown. Please apply here.
The GGLP has been featured in the UC Berkeley Newscenter and the SF Chronicle.