Local children in the Walnut, Diamond Bar, City of Industry and Rowland Heights areas that give back to their communities have a chance to vie for thousands of dollars in scholarships and prizes.

Kohl’s Department Stores plans to award more than $420,000 in scholarships and prizes to 2,200 young volunteers who have had a positive impact on their communities through its Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program, according to a news release.  The awards will range from $50 Kohl’s gift cards to $10,000 scholarships.  The program is accepting nominations for youth ages six to 18 until March 15 at kohlkids.com.

The aim is to aid families, especially during these lean economic times.

“Through the Kohl’s CaresScholarship Program, Kohl’s recognizes young volunteers who dedicate their time, energy and passion to helping others and bettering the communities we live in,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “During a time of economic uncertainty and high tuition costs, it’s important to support extraordinary kids by investing in their future. We encourage parents, teachers, neighbors and friends to nominate outstanding young volunteers at kohlskids.com.”

Those wanting to nominate a volunteer must be 21 years or older.  Two nominees from each of the company’s 1,100 Kohl’s stores nationwide, including the City of Industry location, will win a $50 Kohl’s gift card and more than 200 will win regional scholarships worth $1,000 toward post-secondary education. Ten national winners will get a total of $10,000 in scholarships to be used for college and Kohl’s will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on each national winner’s behalf.

Since the program began in 2001, Kohl’s has recognized more than 15,000 youth with more than $3 million in scholarships and prizes.   

Last year, Kohl’s honored 12-year-old Sarah Kladar as its national winner.  Sarah sold around 5,000 dishtowels, raising nearly $50,000 to help families in need pay for surgery-related expenses not covered by insurance.  The 2011 regional winner, Jaimus Ready,8, was awarded for assembling and sending more than 350 care packages to soldiers in Afghanistan filled with candy, clothing, and homemade cards from local school children.