The first step in helping Niagara’s next generation of post-secondary learners involves donning a pair of blue jeans and enjoying a night on the town.

Staff, faculty, students and alumni are invited to attend the Denim, Diamonds and Diplomas gala on Saturday, Feb. 3 in support of DSBN Academy.

Hosted by the Brock Leaders Citizenship Society (BLCS), the third-annual event funds bursaries for students who will become the first in their family to attend post-secondary school.

“It’s pretty amazing to see and hear about the impact this event has had on the Academy’s students,” said fourth-year Concurrent Education and Child and Youth Studies student Lauren Saly, one of four BLCS members on the gala’s planning committee.

Organizers aim to raise $20,000 annually through the gala in order to provide a bursary to each of the Academy’s graduating students.

“It’s a goal we’ve been able to meet every year and we hope to see that continue,” Saly said.

The school’s first graduating class crossed the stage in June 2017 and 45 bursaries were presented.

Many students are faced with challenges when pursuing higher education and being able to assist those with yet another hurdle in their path is “incredibly rewarding,” Saly said.

Held at Club Roma in St. Catharines, the gala begins with a cocktail hour and performance by students in the DSBN Academy band at 6 p.m. Guests are then treated to a three-course meal, followed by a silent auction, diamond ring raffle and evening of live entertainment.

“If you’re looking for a gala that isn’t your traditional formal black tie affair, this is a great fit,” Saly said.

For those wondering about the dress code, denim is encouraged with many guests opting to wear jeans along with a suit jacket or dressy blouse.

Tickets for the gala are $65 each or $600 for a table of 10.

More information is available on the event’s Facebook page and tickets can be purchased online through the Education Foundation of Niagara.