Akaysha Dempsey-Owens, Wins $1,000 Kohl's Cares Scholarship

The Kohl’s Department Stores’ Kohl’s Cares® Scholarship Program honors nearly 200 deserving volunteers with $1,000 scholarships toward higher education. Akaysha Dempsey-Owens, age 6, from Jackson was chosen from more than 35,000 nominees nationwide for making a positive impact in her community. Through the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program, Kohl's is encouraging promising youth to further their education at a time when college costs continue to rise and parents are relying heavily on federal and private student loans to fund higher education.*

At 6 years old, Akaysha Dempsey-Owens helped fundraise over $10,000 to rebuild Partnership Park, which had been vandalized. Akaysha knew the park had previously been a safe place for neighborhood children to play at, so she wanted to help. She and her grandmother sold homemade lemonade outside of the park, which quickly became a widely publicized event.

Winners are chosen based on initiative, leadership, generosity and project benefits and outcome. In 2013, Kohl’s celebrates its 13th year of rewarding young volunteers. Since the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program began in 2001, Kohl’s has recognized more than 19,000 kids, including the 2013 winners, with more than $3.9 million in scholarships and prizes.

The Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program is part of Kohl’s Cares, Kohl’s philanthropic program focused on improving the lives of children. For more information on the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program visit kohlskids.com.

*Reuters. “As college costs rise in U.S., parents fall short of saving goals.” Heather Struck. 2013.