Simon announces new activation: Simon supports education

Williamsburg Premium Outlets is proud to support Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) in its efforts to increase educational opportunities for at-risk students through Simon Supports Education. The movement incorporates several activations to engage shoppers in SYF’s mission.

Simon Youth 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, SYF has helped more than 14,000 at-risk students receive a high school diploma and has awarded more than $16 million in scholarships.

The following Williamsburg-area students are the 2017 recipients of a SYF scholarship:

· Hannah Abraham was awarded $1,500 and plans to attend Brigham Young University.

· Destiney D. Partee was awarded $500 and plans to attend North Carolina A&T State University.

“Simon Youth Foundation is a national organization, but we can feel the benefit of its efforts right here at home,” said Lisa Jones, area director of marketing and business development at Williamsburg Premium Outlets. “We are incredibly proud to invite our shoppers to join us in supporting this inspiring organization.”

Williamsburg Premium Outlets is now offering community members opportunities to support local students, scholarships and academies through the following planned activities and activations:

• Simon Gift Card Purchases: $1 from every SYF 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.
• Graduation Wall: Shoppers may purchase a sticker to place on the Graduation Wall to honor and celebrate a recent local graduate.

“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.”

About SYF

SYF 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 us on Facebook, Twitter (@simon_youth), or Instagram (@simonyouthfoundation) for updates.

About Simon

Simon is a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations and an S&P 100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our properties across North America, Europe, and Asia provide community gathering places for millions of people every day and generate billions in annual sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

About Williamsburg Premium Outlets

Williamsburg Premium Outlets is a 526,289 square-foot outlet shopping center located in historic Williamsburg, Va. The center is home to 135 sought-after retail brands including Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Burberry, Coach, Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, Dooney & Bourke, Hugo Boss, J.Crew Factory, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Nautica, Nike Factory Store, The North Face, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour and more at enormous savings of 25 to 65 percent every day. For a map and store listings, as well as directions, events and tourism resources, visit: premiumoutlets.com/williamsburg.