Kudos to VILLA x Jordan Brand.
The “A’s For J’s” Academic Achievement Program was a success and this type of initiative should spark the interest of all brands and companies all over to help motivate the youth. Even though rewarding them for doing something they should already be doing can be looked as a bad thing (depends on who you talk to, honestly), I feel in the society we live in now any type of motivation is needed no matter what and this right here is something right up my alley.
Below is the official press release along with some pictures recapping this great event. Hopefully VILLA x Jordan Brand will eventually expand this program to other states/cities, that would be dope.
Philadelphia, PA, October 6, 2014 -On Wednesday preeminent urban lifestyle retailer, VILLA, along with iconic sportswear company The Jordan Brand, announced the results of a groundbreaking academic achievement program that encourages students to aim high in Math, Science and English.
VILLA launched the program in January with West Philadelphia High School; Imhotep Institute Charter High School, and Kensington High School for Creative and Performing Arts participating. Students received $25 Villa credits toward Jordan Brand products for each “A’ they received in Math, Science and English during the grading periods. The school that generated the most A’s was presented with a $25,000 check.
A’s for J’s is a program where everyone wins, and this week participating students and educators were feted by Villa, The Jordan Brand and Olympic Track & Field Medalist Eric Kynard- who spoke about the importance of A’s for J’s and how education impacted his life.
Featured speakers included Jordan Brand President Larry Miller; VILLA’s Vice President of Marketing Patrick Walsh and acclaimed visual artist King Saladeen. The event was hosted by songstress Teyana Taylor and Philadelphia radio host Q Deezy. Additionally, young violin virtuoso Lee England, Jr, performed.
In a climate where cuts to school funding are on the rise and grades are on the decline – A’s for J’s is a practical, solution-oriented response to a growing epidemic. Among the major announcements Friday are plans to expand A’s for J’s into cities around the country.
