Payless ShoeSource is celebrating Black History Month for the second year with its Payless Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship program.
The shoe retailers said it is joining with its shoppers and the National Urban League to raise money to support the future of African-American and other minority youth by selling a limited edition I Believe necklace for $4 in more than 800 stores nationwide and on Payless.com, it said. Additionally, Payless will donate 100 percent of the net profits of necklace sales, with a minimum donation of $35,000.
First launched last year, Payless said it expects National Urban League (NUL) to distribute scholarships ranging from $350-$5,000 to African American and other minority youth through its signature education program, Project Ready, for the 2010-2011 academic season.
Composed of three components to address the academic, personal, and social needs of African-American students, Project Ready provides enhanced academic and social support to high school students as they embark on post-secondary education through an individualized and monitored development plan.
LuAnn Via, president and CEO of Payless said that "youth and education are critical to the future of our nation. We were thrilled with the success of the program last year, and pleased to have given out more than a dozen scholarships to deserving youth through our partner NUL."
The necklaces are available now on Payless.com and from retail outlets. Their silver loop-link "Rolo" chain and three dangling charms are complemented by a round red medallion, the company said.
"To be eligible for a 2010-2011 Payless Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship, students must be a registered Project Ready participant, and submit materials by the scholarship deadline of March 31, 2010," the company said.