Partner With Soleful Kicks – Launch a Youth Project
Soleful Kicks partners with schools, nonprofits, mentors, and community advocates to motivate and reward youth for working toward personal goals. We do this through short, focused projects that culminate in the gift of a brand-new pair of sneakers — not just for the sneakers themselves, but for the effort, progress, and commitment they represent.
🏆 What Is a Project?
A project is a time-limited, goal-oriented collaboration between Soleful Kicks and a community partner. Each project lasts 10 weeks and includes up to 5 students, making it small by design.
- ✅ Manageable and personal — Focused attention for each student.
- ✅ School quarter-friendly — 10 weeks mirrors the school calendar.
- ✅ Results-driven — Long enough to build habits, short enough to stay motivating.
Projects can be run in schools, afterschool programs, mentoring groups, or community spaces. The key ingredient is a caring team willing to support students through the process.
👟 How Students Earn Sneakers
Sneakers aren’t just handed out — they’re earned.
- Each student sets personal goals to work on (academic, behavioral, wellness, etc.).
- At week 5, they complete a midway check-in to reflect and stay on track.
- At the end, students who’ve engaged and shown commitment receive a brand-new pair of sneakers of their choosing (up to $75 in value).
🤝 Become a Project Partner
If you work with youth and want to run a Soleful Kicks project, here’s how to get started:
📩 Step 1: Reach Out
Email jason@solefulkicks.org or use the Contact Us form on our website. Please include:
- Your name and organization (if applicable)
- Your role and how you support youth
- How you’d like to collaborate
- When you’d like your 10-week project to begin
📞 Step 2: Quick Intake Call
We’ll schedule a brief call to:
- Align on goals and expectations
- Discuss student selection and goal-setting
- Assess the need for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or any required Release of Information (ROI)
- Explain the mid-point check-in
- Walk through sneaker delivery logistics
📦 Step 3: Receive Your Welcome Packet
After approval, you’ll get a digital Welcome Packet with:
- Project overview and timeline
- Goal-setting tips for students
- Midway check-in form template
- Sneaker sizing and order instructions
- Optional storytelling and media guide
✅ Project Guidelines at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 weeks (school quarter model) |
| Students per project | Up to 5 |
| Goal requirement | Yes – academic, behavioral, or personal growth |
| Midway check-in | Required (form provided) |
| Sneaker reward | 1 pair per student at project completion (up to $75 in value) |
| Follow-up | Light recap + renewal option |
💬 Why This Works
We believe that effort deserves recognition. When youth see progress celebrated — not just perfection — they build confidence, motivation, and momentum that lasts far beyond the project. More on why this matters can be found HERE.
🔄 Repeat Projects & Renewals
At the end of your 10-week project, we’ll follow up to:
- Celebrate your students’ accomplishments
- Collect light feedback
- Discuss renewing or expanding your project next quarter
🌟 Ready to Start?
Email: jason@solefulkicks.org
