Simon, a global leader in retail real estate ownership, is proud to support Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) in its efforts to increase educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds through Simon Supports Education. The movement incorporates several activations designed to engage shoppers in SYF’s mission.

SYF operates 35 Simon Youth Academies in 15 states. Through partnerships with local public school districts and their neighboring Simon centers, Simon Youth Academies provide alternative high school environments designed to meet students’ unique needs and help them reach graduation day. SYF also provides renewable scholarships to graduating seniors in communities where there is a Simon property.

Since its inception in 1998, Simon Youth Foundation has helped more than 17,500 students on the verge of dropping out of high school graduate, and has awarded $17 million in scholarships. Simon Supports Education encourages shoppers to help SYF continue this incredible legacy.

“Simon Youth Foundation is a national organization, but we can feel the benefit of its efforts right here at home,” said Robin Suggs, general manager for Lenox Square on behalf of the centers. “We are incredibly proud to invite our shoppers to join us in supporting this incredible organization.”

This year, Lenox Square will present Christoffer Rokholm from Lakeside High School in Atlanta with a $1,500 scholarship. Rokholm plans to study computer engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology this fall. The center will also present Julianne Tijani from Tucker High School in Tucker with a $750 scholarship. Tijani plans to study physics at Georgia Institute of Technology this fall.

Mall of Georgia will present Nairobi Huff from Lanier High School in Buford with a $1,500 scholarship. Huff plans to study biology at Fisk University this fall. The center will also present Skylar Hudson from Buford High School with a $750 scholarship. Hudson plans to study biology at University of Georgia this fall.

North Georgia Premium Outlets will present Abigail Doorley from Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell with a $1,500 scholarship. Doorley plans to study international affairs/relations at Villanova University this fall. The center will also present Nicole Mulkey from Dawson County High School in Dawsonville with a $750 scholarship. Mulkey plans to study biology at Brenau University this fall.

Phipps Plaza will present Emma Claire Cohen from Brookwood High School in Snellville with a $1,500 scholarship. Cohen plans to study at University of Alabama this fall.

Town Center at Cobb will present Destiny Adams from Adairsville High School in Adairsville with a $2,500 scholarship. Adams plans to study veterinary sciences at University of Georgia this fall. The center will also present Kevin Goshay from Lassiter High School in Marietta with a $1,500 scholarship. Goshay plans to study applied mathematics at Harvard University. The center will also present Kristen Green from Bremen High School in Bremen with a $750 scholarship. Green plans to study biology at Belmont University in the fall.

These five Simon centers are now offering community members the opportunity to support local students, scholarships and academies through several planned activities and activations, such as:

Simon Giftcard Purchases: $1 from every SYF Simon Visa Giftcard purchase will support scholarship and graduation programs in the community. These eye-catching cards are the perfect gift for every graduate on your list this spring.

Donate Your Balance: Simon VISA Giftcard holders can donate a balance of less than $5 to SYF to help students graduate and pursue their dreams through education.

Wishing Well / Fountain at Guest Services: Toss coins into the Wishing Wells and/or Fountains throughout each center to honor and celebrate a recent local graduate.

“Simon Youth Foundation believes all youth, no matter their personal circumstances, should have the opportunity and resources to pursue their dreams through education, and that financial reasons should never prevent students from achieving their goals,” said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, President and CEO of SYF.  “We are humbled to have the incredible support of our corporate partner, Simon, and its Simon Supports Education movement.”