Marking the 10th anniversary of its Kohl's Kids Who Care Scholarship Program, Kohl's Department Stores will award more than $410,000 in scholarships and prizes, ranging from $50 Kohl's gift cards to 10 $10,000 scholarships, recognizing youths who make a difference by volunteering in their communities.

Nominations for kids ages 6 to 18 will be accepted through March 15 at kohlskids.com. Kohl's continues its scholarship program and will double national scholarship amounts to $10,000 each during a time when rising tuition costs, tightening credit and less financial aid availability makes footing the average $60,000 bill for a four-year degree increasingly difficult.

"Over the past 10 years of the Kohl's Kids Who Care Scholarship Program, we've been truly encouraged and touched by the selfless and inspirational acts of thousands of kids who have touched countless lives," said Julie Gardner, Kohl's executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "We're honored to be celebrating a decade of recognizing the volunteer initiatives of stand-up kids across the country. Whether organizing a local food drive, helping a younger child to read or cleaning up a community park, every contribution makes a difference, and we encourage parents, teachers, neighbors and friends to nominate outstanding young volunteers in their community at kohlskids.com."

To nominate young volunteers ages 6 to 18 for a Kohl's Kids Who Care scholarship, visit www.kohlskids.com.

Nominators must be 21 years or older. Two nominees from each of Kohl's 1,059 stores nationwide will win a $50 Kohl's gift card, and more than 190 of them will win regional scholarships worth $1,000 toward post-secondary education. This year, Kohl's is increasing the national winner scholarships where 10 national winners will each receive $10,000 in scholarships, and Kohl's will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on each winner's behalf.

Through the Kohl's Kids Who Care Scholarship Program, Kohl's aims to recognize deserving kids who have invested in their communities by giving them a jumpstart on investing in their own futures. Since the program began in 2001, Kohl's has awarded nearly 11,000 youth volunteers with more than $2.2 million in scholarships and prizes.

Last year's Kohl's Kids Who Care scholarship winners include 8-year-old Hannah Turner, who collected 100,000 clothing items for homeless people; 12-year-old Rocco Fiorentino, who contributed to advocacy efforts that led to legislature dedicating $1.2 million to Braille education and services in New Jersey; and 17-year-old Dallas Jessup, who raised nearly $1 million and founded a community service project empowering girls to fight back against abduction and assault.

The Kohl's Kids Who Care Scholarship Program is part of Kohl's Cares for Kids, Kohl's philanthropic program focused on improving the lives of children. Kohl's Cares for Kids benefits children's health and education initiatives nationwide through its merchandise program, featuring special books and plush toys where 100 percent of net profit benefits children's initiatives, fundraising gift cards and the A-Team associate volunteer program.

For more information or a list of past Kohl's Kids Who Care winners, visit the Web site www.kohlskids.com.