Sep. 1, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

TOPEKA, Kan., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on September 15th, today Payless ShoeSource(R) has launched the 2009 Payless Inspiring Possibilities Program and invites shoppers to join the retailer to raise money to establish higher-education scholarships with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) in support the future of Hispanic youth.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090901/FL68744LOGO)

Through the program, Payless is selling a limited-edition Trilogy necklace for only $4 in more than 750 stores nationwide and on Payless.com(R), while supplies last, and will donate 100 percent of the net profits of necklace sales to the Payless Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship established with the HSF. This is the second annual Payless Inspiring Possibilities program to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Last year, Payless awarded 12 $2,500 scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year to HSF scholars.

This year's exclusive Trilogy necklace features an on-trend design with a bead-ball silver-tone necklace and three distinctive charms -- one with the inspirational words engraved on both sides (English on one side, Spanish on the other): Dream/Sonar, Believe/Creer, and Inspire/Inspirar. The two remaining charms include a purple-colored bead and a circular swirl design.

"Youth and education are critical to the future of our nation," said LuAnn Via, president and CEO of Payless. "We were thrilled with the success of the program last year, and pleased to have given out a dozen scholarships to deserving Hispanic youth through our partner HSF. With this year's exclusive on-trend necklace design and at $4 - a price point accessible to so many -- we expect that this year's program will be equally as strong. Together, we are truly celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and benefiting young Hispanics with strong opportunities for higher education to help them achieve their goals and make their dreams come true."

The Payless Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship program is unique because it features an on-trend fashion accessory that is affordable, enabling people to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and support an important, worthy cause - enabling higher education for Hispanic youth.

"This year's Payless Trilogy necklace celebrates the dreams and educational goals of Hispanic youth," said Gaby Alban, spokesperson for Payless ShoeSource.