When it comes to job interviews or internships, making a good first impression is an important factor in determining whether or not you’ll be hired.

Students in the College Work Experience and Connections Program classes sought to spread the opportunity to look professional by starting a drive that donates used business clothing to low income individuals in need.

“We wanted to have our students be more active in the community with a philanthropy or community service project,” CWE sponsor Daniel Wolff said. “Our class goes into detail about the job process — resume building, interviews and people skills — so we felt that a business clothes drive was relevant to what we are trying to teach our kids.”

The Whitman Connections Program helps students build better relationships with peers and staff members in the building, said sponsor Hao-lan Chai. They partnered with CWE to conduct the drive.

CWE first heard about the drive through a social worker, who recommended they work through A Wider Circle, project manager Rachel Gurland said. A Wider Circle is a 501(c)(3) grassroots nonprofit organization that provides holistic support to families in poverty, according to the program’s website.

“If you’re a person in need, you go there and everything is free,” Wolff said.

Donation bins have been placed in the media center, Whittier Woods, the main office and the cafeteria.

“So far we have collected around four to six bags of clothes, including a huge bag of purses,” Chai said. “This is the first time a drive like this has been held, and it’s going pretty well for a trial run.”

Collection will continue until May 18 when the bags will be shipped to a showroom in Silver Spring and the clothes will be displayed for people to take as needed.

“It’s important for students to learn that everyone needs an opportunity, and I think that by providing them an opportunity to be successful, you are helping out society globally,” Chai said.