The Sports Boosters of Maryland and Holabird Sports have partnered to launch its Shoes for Grades Challenge. Students at twelve participating public high schools across the Baltimore metropolitan area have the opportunity to win. The Shoes for Grades program challenges students to work hard in school to raise their grade point average by one full grade from the second to third quarter grading periods during the 2007-2008 academic school year. Those students who succeed will be awarded with a new pair of name brand athletic shoes.

The Maryland State Department of Education has endorsed The Shoes for Grades program at the twelve participating area high schools including Dr. Samuel L. Banks High School, Forest Park High School, Heritage High School, Patterson High School, Reginald Lewis High School, Vivien T. Thomas High School and W.E.B. Dubois High School in Baltimore City, as well as Dundalk High School, Lansdowne High School, Parkville High School, Randallstown High School, and Kenwood High School in Baltimore County.

The Shoes for Grades Challenge is our way of encouraging students in our communities to work hard to succeed in school and beyond while also making a positive difference in their lives. We hope the program helps create a pattern of success that will last into the future for area students. The Shoes for Grades program builds on a proud history and commitment to helping children by The Sports Boosters of Maryland. We hope to expand this program into other area schools with additional incentives and rewards through the support of our numerous business partners.

The Shoes for Grades Challenge is made possible through the partnership of The Sports Boosters of Maryland and Holabird Sports, as well as numerous other local corporate and community partners offering financial and other support to the program. These corporate partners include Hertzbach & Company, P.A.; Flowers & Fancies; Levin & Gann, P.A.; Smart Shopper Magazine; Ethan Allen; The Breakthrough Group; New Balance; The Zolet Lenet Group - Citigroup Smith Barney; Fox Residential Auctioneers, Bath Fitter, PressBox and Fox 45 News.

The Shoes for Grades public-private partnership has been applauded by The Maryland State Department of Education for rewarding hard-work by students in schools.
“We commend corporations that develop programs to encourage academic and personal success and are delighted that you are focusing attention on high school students and encouraging them to reach their potential,” said Darla Strouse, executive director, corporate and foundation partnership development, Maryland State Department of Education.

Holabird Sports was founded in 1981 and is located in Baltimore. Holabird Sports specializes in racquet sports equipment, athletic footwear and clothing. Holabird Sports initiated a similar successful educational rewards program in Baltimore area schools in 1999. For more information on Holabird Sports, visit www.holabirdsports.com.

The Sports Boosters of Maryland was founded in 1950 to support area children’s sports programs. The organization includes a diverse group of members and supporters who share a passion for supporting amateur and professional sports in Maryland, as well as a commitment to using sports to benefit area children. Over the years, some of the numerous local organizations that have benefited from monies raised by The Sports Boosters of Maryland include Ronald McDonald House, Leon Day Foundation, Inner City/Suburban Youth Foundation, The Bennett Institute, Greater Baltimore Urban League, and Jewish Big Brothers/Big Sisters. The Sports Boosters of Maryland is a 501(c) (3) organization. For more information, visit www.sportsboosters.com/contact.html or call 410-440-4443.

Printout or download the Shoes for Grades borchure here.