The Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program will award more than $420,000 in scholarships and prizes to more than 2,200 young volunteers who have made a positive impact on their communities.

Nominations for kids ages 6 to 18 will be accepted through March 15 at kohlskids.com. Kohl's is helping promising youth further their education at a time when college tuition continues to increase yearly - a challenge to many American families who face high unemployment and stagnant incomes, a news release said.

Scholarships and prices will range from $50 Kohl's gift cards to $10,000 scholarships.

"Through the Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program, Kohl's recognizes young volunteers who dedicate their time, energy and passion to helping others and bettering the communities we live in," said Julie Gardner, Kohl's executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "During a time of economic uncertainty and high tuition costs, it's important to support extraordinary kids by investing in their future. We encourage parents, teachers, neighbors and friends to nominate outstanding young volunteers at kohlskids.com."

Those making nominations must be 21 years or older. Two nominees from each of the more than 1,100 Kohl's stores nationwide will win a $50 Kohl's gift card, and more than 200 will win regional scholarships worth $1,000 toward post-secondary education.

Ten national winners will be awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships for post-secondary education, and Kohl's will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on each national winner's behalf.

Since the program began in 2001, Kohl's has recognized more than 15,000 kids with more than $3 million in scholarships and prizes. In 2012, Kohl's celebrates its 12th year of rewarding young volunteers.

In 2011, Kohl's honored national winner Sarah Kladar, 12, who sold 5,000 dishtowels and with the nearly $50,000 raised, helped financially burdened families pay for surgery-related expenses that were not covered by insurance.

Regional winner Jaimus Ready, 8, was recognized for assembling and sending more than 350 care packages to soldiers in Afghanistan filled with candy, clothing and homemade cards from local schoolchildren.

The Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program is part of Kohl's Cares, the company's philanthropic program focused on improving the lives of children. Kohl's Cares benefits children's health and education initiatives nationwide through its merchandise program, featuring special books and plush toys in which 100 percent of net profit benefits children's initiatives, fundraising gift cards for schools and youth serving organizations and the Associates in Action associate volunteer program.

For more information, visit kohlskids.com.

Based in Wisconsin, Kohl's is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. Kohl's operates 1,127 stores in 49 states.

In support of the communities it serves, Kohl's has raised more than $180 million for children's initiatives nationwide through its Kohl's Cares cause merchandise program.