RENO, Nev. – In an inspiring collaboration, Hammer & Nails at Summit Mall and Caughlin Ranch, Urban Barber Union & Salon (UBU), and the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows (BGCTM) are launching a new program called “Grades for Fades” to provide free haircuts to children, fostering confidence and self-esteem as they head back to school. This initiative, the brainchild of Ty Smith (aka Shorty T), owner of UBU, will not only give kids a fresh look but also serve as an incentive to encourage academic improvement.
Ty Smith, who has a personal history with the Boys & Girls Club, passionately shared, “From humble beginnings with limited options and financial constraints, I landed my first job as a Leader In Training (L.I.T) at the Boys and Girls Club. Not only did I attend the facility, but I also boxed and played basketball there — it truly felt like a second home. Since then, I’ve been driven to give back and ensure I can bring that same sense of belonging to other families. This program is designed to provide kids with limited opportunities a chance to feel great. We understand that even something as simple as a haircut can boost their confidence and bring them closer to their dreams.”
Grades for Fades aims to incentivize students to engage in tutoring and improve their grades. Students can submit their semester report cards to participate. Eighty students will be randomly selected to receive free haircuts, with future cuts contingent on academic improvement. Notably, no minimum GPA is required — any improvement from the previous semester qualifies. BGCTM will manage all tracking and logistics to keep the program running for the foreseeable future.
“We are excited to partner with Grades for Fades to support our teen members at the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. By offering haircuts in exchange for report cards, we hope to motivate our youth to strive for academic success and maintain their personal confidence throughout the year,” said Mike Wurm, president and CEO of BGCTM.
In addition to the haircuts, students maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher will be entered into a raffle for an all-expenses-paid trip to a pre-season Raiders game, thanks to the generous donation of tickets by Brad Armstrong, owner of Roller Kingdom. Hammer & Nails and BGCTM will cover transportation, hotel and food for the winning student and one guardian.
The Katie Grace Foundation is also contributing by providing toiletry kits for all children receiving haircuts, ensuring they have the essentials they need to start the school year off right.
“This program isn’t just about rewards — it’s about building self-esteem and empowering kids to see and take pride in their accomplishments,” said Diaz Dixon, owner of Hammer & Nails at The Summit Mall and Head of Development for NV/ID. “A great haircut is the cherry on top, and Hammer & Nails at Summit Mall and Caughlin Ranch are proud to take part.”
For more information about Hammer & Nails, visit HammersandNailsGrooming.com.
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ABOUT HAMMER & NAILS
Hammer & Nails was founded in 2013 with the vision to provide hand and foot care, manicures and pedicures, haircuts and shaves to every type of male. After launching its franchise opportunity in 2015, the brand has built an unrivaled experience that’s disrupting the men’s grooming industry and revolutionizing the way guys get their groom on, quickly becoming the premier destination for men’s grooming experiences in a relaxed environment. Hammer & Nails has awarded licenses for more than 200 shops and is working to have 150 locations open and operating by 2025. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit https://hammerandnailsfranchise.com/.
