CIS of Atlanta Site Coordinator Partners with Foot Locker to Create “Shoe Game” Incentive Program

Ashley, our Site Coordinator at Booker T. Washington High School, sought to incentivize and encourage her students who were managing extenuating environmental circumstances. This virtual education landscape has created more barriers in keeping students motivated. She created the “Shoe Game” incentive program as a way to encourage them on their educational journey. Each month, a student is designated as the “Phoenix of the Month” and another as the “Rising Phoenix." The two students selected have been making significant gains in their attendance and academics while contending with an extreme variable that has been exacerbated due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In partnership with Foot Locker, these two students were each awarded a gift card to the store. Ashley personally delivered these Foot Locker gift cards as a way for her presence to be felt in this virtual world. It was important to let her students know that they were not doing this alone.

Ashley explains, “Shoes continue to be a culturally responsive incentive that motivates my students to strive for things beyond just a need or bare minimum. I want them to know that it is okay to work harder to get some of the things they want. So far, shoes seem to be one of those wants. Seeing the smiles on their faces and even a mothers tears, let me know that despite the challenges, we have to find ways to reach our students in an impactful way.”

Thank you to Foot Locker at The Mall West End for their investment in our community!