CHICAGO, July 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This back-to-school season, the Y is expanding its nearly 20-year relationship with JCPenney by providing exciting, new ways for JCPenney customers and associates to give back to their communities. The partnership will support the Y's Academic Achievement Initiative, which aims to support academically at-risk students through evidence-based, high-quality summer learning loss prevention and afterschool programs.

Beginning today through Sept. 2, JCPenney will donate $1, up to $250,000, for every purchase of Arizona jeans to support the Y's Academic Achievement Initiative. JCPenney Cares, the retailer's 501(c)3 public charity, will further support efforts with an additional $250,000 donation, providing a potential total donation amount of $500,000 to the Y.

"Through our Arizona promotion, JCPenney will be helping kids in underserved communities across the country reach their full potential by providing them access to the Y's academic achievement programs," said Sheeba Philip, vice president of marketing strategy and communications for JCPenney. "With jeans serving as a key back-to-school fashion staple, Arizona's great fitting, affordable denim makes it the ideal brand to leverage our support of the Y this season. By simply purchasing a pair of stylish Arizona jeans, moms will not only be sending their kids back-to-school with confidence, but also helping fellow moms across the country set their kids up for success this school year."

JCPenney will also be assisting the Y this back-to-school season with a community event at the Hollywood YMCA in Los Angeles. The event will include backpack giveaways, free haircuts from jcp salon, mini-makeovers from Sephora inside JCPenney for moms and teens, vision screenings from JCPenney Optical, photos from JCPenney Portraits and Arizona jean fittings as well as giveaways, music, food and more.

"All youth have potential, and we at the Y support their academic, physical and social-emotional development from cradle to career with holistic programs that not only support closing the achievement gaps but also help youth realize who they are and all they can achieve," said Bela Moté, national director of character development at the Y.

Furthermore, throughout the back-to-school season, JCPenney associates will have the opportunity to connect with their local Y branch to volunteer in many ways such as supporting summer camp activities and helping with youth programs through tutoring, mentoring or coaching sports.

About the Y
The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. For additional information, please visit ymca.net.

About JCPenney
J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP), one of the nation's largest apparel and home furnishings retailers, is on a mission to ensure every shopping experience is worth the customer's time, money and effort. Whether shopping jcp.com or visiting one of over 1,000 store locations across the United States and Puerto Rico, customers will discover a broad assortment of products from a leading portfolio of private, exclusive and national brands. Supporting this value proposition is the warrior spirit of over 100,000 JCPenney associates worldwide, who are focused on the Company's three strategic priorities of strengthening private brands, becoming a world-class omnichannel retailer and increasing revenue per customer. For additional information, please visit jcp.com.

About JCPenney Cares
JCPenney Cares is a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides support to organizations and programs dedicated to keeping kids safe, healthy and engaged outside the classroom. 

Contact:
Kevin Dietz
YMCA of the USA
312-419-8418
[email protected]

Kate Coultas
JCPenney
972-431-3400
[email protected]

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SOURCE YMCA of the USA