Since the inception of Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) in 1998, shoppers at Simon Malls, Mills, and Premium Outlets have been among SYF’s most ardent supporters, contributing millions of dollars to support SYF’s mission to help students graduate. As a thank you to these loyal supporters, SYF is proud to once again help a deserving graduating senior living near Roosevelt Field, Smith Haven Mall and Walt Whitman Shops pursue a college education.
Simon Youth Community Scholarships are awarded in every community across the country that is home to a Simon Mall, Mills, or Premium Outlets center. Students may apply between now and February 19, 2020 at syf.org/scholarships.
Scholarship recipients are eligible for a one-time $1,500 scholarship, which may be applied to tuition at an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school. Students who will be graduating high school in 2020 and live in the community surrounding Roosevelt Field, Smith Haven Mall and Walt Whitman Shops are eligible.
The scholarship program is part of a larger initiative called Simon Supports Education, which includes several opportunities designed to engage mall patrons in support of SYF’s mission. Consumers can support SYF in a variety of ways while shopping at Simon malls including purchasing an SYF Visa Simon Giftcard. One dollar from the sale of each gift card directly funds the Foundation’s scholarship and graduation programs. In addition, shoppers can opt to donate a Simon Giftcard balance to SYF. The scholarships awarded at the ceremony are funded largely by Simon Property Group employee and shopper donations.
“At Simon Youth Foundation, we are committed to helping students graduate and pursue their dreams through education,” said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, President and CEO, SYF. “We strongly believe that cost should not prevent students from furthering their education. With the incredible support of our corporate partner, Simon, and its Simon Supports Education initiative, we are humbled to help eliminate this financial burden through SYF’s scholarship programs.”
In 2019, SYF awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships to more than 407 graduating seniors. Over 20 years, SYF has awarded more than $18 million in post-secondary scholarships to 5,000 students. Roosevelt Field, Smith Haven Mall and Walt Whitman have awarded 78 scholarships to students on Long Island through the Simon Youth Scholarship program.
In addition to the community scholarships, 11 regional awards called “Awards of Excellence” will be given to top candidates. The regions eligible are Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Indianapolis, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Orange County (CA), Orlando, and Seattle/Tacoma. Additionally, one Award of Excellence will be awarded to an applicant from a Simon Premium Outlet. Students from these areas will have the opportunity to receive a $10,000 award ($2,500 for up to four years).
SYF’s 2020 scholarship recipients will be selected by International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS), a third-party partner. Applicants will be evaluated based on academic promise, financial need, written response, work experience as well as community and extracurricular involvement. Recipients will be notified in May 2020.
For more information, to confirm eligibility and apply for a Simon Youth Community Scholarship, please visit syf.org/scholarships/.
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