Chicago Premium Outlets awards Simon Youth Foundation Scholarship to deserving local student
Simon, a global leader in retail real estate ownership, is proud to support Simon Youth Foundation in its efforts to increase educational opportunities for at-risk students through Simon Supports Education. The movement incorporates several activations designed to engage shoppers in its mission.
The foundation operates 30 non-traditional high school academies across the country, housed primarily in Simon properties, and also provides a scholarship to one student in every community where there is a Simon property. Since its inception in 1998, Simon Youth Foundation has helped more than 14,000 at-risk students receive a high school diploma, and has awarded more than $16 million in scholarships.
This year, Chicago Premium Outlets presented Madeline Bozik from West Aurora High School with the $500 Simon Youth Power of Orange Scholarship.
Bozik, a student with a passion for philanthropy, started Maddie's Mitten March, a nonprofit that provides winter clothing for less fortunate neighbors, when she was just 10 years old. Over the past seven years, she has collected and donated more than 2,000 items of clothing. She is also a frequent speaker at local conferences and workshops designed to help young adults understand the importance of giving back to their communities. Bozik will attend Bradley University this fall.
"Simon Youth Foundation is a national organization, but we can feel the benefit of its efforts right here at home," said Phil Whitsel, general manager at Chicago Premium Outlets. "We are incredibly proud to invite our shoppers to join us in supporting this incredible organization."
Chicago Premium Outlets is now offering community members the opportunity to support local students through the purchase of Simon gift cards. One dollar from every Simon Youth Foundation Simon Visa gift card 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.
"Simon Youth Foundation believes that every student deserves the support necessary to earn their high school diploma, and that financial reasons should never be the reason preventing a student from pursuing their dreams," said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, president and CEO of Simon Youth Foundation. "We are thrilled to have the support of our incredible corporate partner, Simon, and their Simon Supports Education movement."
About SYF
Simon Youth Foundation is a national non-profit that partners with public school districts to open dropout recovery academies inside Simon shopping malls. The organization now has 30 Simon Youth Academies in 12 states. In the organization's 18-year history, more than 14,000 students have earned their diploma and more than $16 million in scholarships have been awarded. Visit syf.org or follow them at www.facebook.com/simonyouthfoundation, Twitter (@simon_youth), or Instagram (@simonyouthfoundation) for updates.
About Simon
Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and a S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual sales. For more information, visit simon.com.
About Chicago Premium Outlets
Chicago Premium Outlets is a Simon center located 38 miles west of downtown Chicago off Interstate 88 at Farnsworth Ave. North in Aurora, Ill. For more than 10 years the center has been a top destination for everyday savings of 25 to 65 percent on fashion and popular brands including Adidas, Coach, Gap Factory Store, Levi's Outlet Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour and Vera Bradley. Since its 2015 renovation, among 50 new and expanded stores have opened at the popular outdoor center, including anchor Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, the state's only Restoration Hardware Outlet, eclectic lifestyle designer Robert Graham, high-performance outfitter Arc'teryx, and Clarins luxury skincare.