Simon Supports Education helps at-risk students

Posted July 10, 2017 11:00 pm

Submitted by Erin McGraw

Retail real estate company Simon supports the Simon Youth Foundation in its efforts to increase educational opportunities for at-risk students through its Simon Supports Education program.

The movement incorporates several activations designed to engage shoppers in SYF's mission.

The foundation operates 30 nontraditional 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, Gurnee Mills presented two recipients with scholarships. Destiny Schmidt from Big Foot High School in Walworth, Wisconsin, received a $1,500 scholarship and will attend Iowa State University this fall.

Dylan Brown from New Tech High at Zion- Benton East in Zion received a $500 scholarship and will attend Purdue University this fall.

"Simon Youth Foundation is a national organization, but we can feel the benefit of its efforts right here at home," said Elizabeth Striegel, director of marketing and business development at Gurnee Mills.

"We are incredibly proud to invite our shoppers to join us in supporting this incredible organization."

Gurnee Mills offers the opportunity to support local students through the purchase of Simon Gift Cards; $1 from every SYF Simon Visa gift card purchase will support scholarship and graduation programs in the community.

"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 SYF.

"We are thrilled to have the support of our incredible corporate partner, Simon, and their Simon Supports Education movement."

For information about Simon Youth Foundation, visit syf.org.

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