Simon Youth Foundation scholarship deadline approaching

The deadline for Springfield-area high school seniors interested in applying for a Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) scholarship is Feb. 15, 2018. Dedicated to providing support for students at risk of dropping out of high school, SYF helps graduating seniors living near Simon centers across the country, including White Oaks Mall, locally, take the next step on their educational journey.

Since the inception of Simon Youth Foundation in 1998, shoppers at Simon Malls, Mills, and Premium Outlets have been among SYF’s most ardent supporters, contributing millions of dollars to support the Foundation’s mission. Each year, Simon Youth Community Scholarships are awarded in every community that is home to a Simon Mall, Mills, or Premium Outlets center. Students can apply online for a 2018 scholarship by visiting syf.org/scholarships prior to midnight on Feb. 15, 2018.

Any student who will be graduating in the class of 2018 and lives in the designated community surrounding a Simon property is eligible. Applicants can check their eligibility by entering their ZIP code at syf.org/scholarships. Recipients will receive up to $1,500 toward tuition and other educational expenses at an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school.

The SYF community scholarship program is one facet of the Simon Supports Education initiative, launched in spring 2017 at all Simon properties. As part of this initiative, visitors at Simon centers can now purchase SYF Simon VISA gift cards, redeemable wherever VISA is accepted. One dollar from the sale of each bright orange, SYF-branded card will go directly to support SYF and its mission.

“The support of Simon and its generous shoppers has been instrumental in the growth and overall impact of Simon Youth Foundation,” said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, SYF President and CEO. “Providing this scholarship to deserving students in communities that Simon calls home is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for their continued support.”

In addition to the community scholarships, 11 regional awards called “Awards of Excellence” will be given to top candidates, providing an opportunity for students to receive a $10,000 award ($2,500 for up to four years).

In 2017, the Simon Youth Foundation awarded $1.6 million to 335 students nationwide.

“The importance of pursuing education—both high school and beyond—cannot be overstated, and we feel passionately that financial constraints should never be the reason that a promising student is unable to achieve their dreams,” said Durnil. “We are proud to partner with White Oaks Mall to help deserving Springfield-area students take their next steps in life.”

The 2018 SYF Community Scholarship recipients will be selected by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS), a third-party administrator. Students are selected based on a variety of criteria, including financial need, academic performance, leadership skills and participation in school and community activities. Those students who are the first in their family to pursue a post-secondary education will also be given close consideration.

Recipients will be notified of their awards in May 2018.