​[Charleston/ SC-July 30] On Saturday, Aug. 16, beginning at 7 pm until 10 pm, H1GHER LEARNING will celebrate its incorporation as a non-profit organization at Sneaker. The Charleston-based sneaker boutique is the perfect place to hold the Pep Rally, and celebrate the early success of the organization’s mission.

Since January, H1GHER LEARNING has provided over 100 pairs of brand new sneakers to at-risk students for their academic achievements. For H1GHER LEARNING, sneakers are the bait to get these children too evolved into better students in the classroom and stewards of their respective communities.

“I believe that we can use sneakers as a motivating factor because that’s what these kids shares an interest in,” said KJ Kearney, founder of H1GHER LEARNING. “As adults we work for a paycheck–these sneakers will be their form of payment for a job well done. In short, we’re using sneakers as the reward for outstanding all-around improvements.”

Last year, HIGHER LEARNING partnered with the boutique to donate sneakers to students at Sanders-Clyde Creative Arts School and Burke High school. ​ 

“I first noticed H1GHER LEARNING via social media “says Sneaker owner JP Hudson. “KJ had provided shoes for some children to play basketball. After seeing this, I really believed in his mission to better the lives of young people in Charleston. I wanted Sneaker to be a part of something special that will make the world a better place and if sneakers can be a platform for making a difference then I am all for it.”

In an effort to secure the last remaining funds needed to file for the organization’s Federal tax exemption, H1GHER LEARNING will be releasing a limited number of custom New Era 9FIFTY snapbacks.

The snapbacks feature both a black crown and visor and displays the full H1GHER LEARNING logo in raised white and gold embroidery on its front. A white New Era flag is present on the left side of the cap; there is also a granite snap enclosure, and dark green under visor round out the details of this special edition headwear. Only twenty five of these caps will be available, and will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.

​​​One week before the event, H1GHER LEARNING will also release The Pep Rally Mixtape, a digital copy of Southern hip-hop classics. The Pep Rally Mixtape is hosted by DJ Rdot, resident DJ at O-Ku and mix show DJ for both Z93.3 Jamz and 95.1 SX.

​The Pep Rally is a free event; donations will be accepted to support the organization’s mission. Sneaker is located at 237 King Street in the business district of Downtown Charleston. For more information, contact Tawana Tolbert at 843.367.3294, or visit HIGHER.org.

​ABOUT H1GHER LEARNING

Founded by Charleston native KJ Kearney, the mission of H1GHER LEARNING is to become a tax exempt, non-profit organization that rewards the academic excellence of at-risk students by rewarding them with sneakers. Since January 2014 H1GHER LEARNING has provided over 100 pairs of brand new and hard-to-find sneakers as a reward to at-risk students for their academic prowess