The Gift of Inspiration

Some say actions speak louder than words. At the Simon Youth Foundation Northeast Bowling for Education event, a record breaking amount was raised for SYF. More than $275,000 was raised with more donations still coming in to benefit the efforts to provide educational opportunities for at-risk youth. There is a story behind the story here. The efforts to make this event special were spearheaded by Deborah Weber, Mall Manager at Walt Whitman Shops in... Read More

What’s the point?

Have you ever questioned why you are putting forth effort towards a goal when times get tough? Jorge Chavez, a graduate from Simon Youth Academy at Metrocenter Mall in Phoenix, Arizona, took a look in the mirror and asked this same question. A high school diploma wasn’t anything but a fancy piece of paper to him. Family responsibilities were more pressing and important than a subject he thought he’d never use. Mere credits away from graduating,... Read More

Igniting Hope: A Scholarship Recipient’s Story

“Thank you for helping me get one step closer to achieving my dream.” These words are what Simon Youth Foundation seeks to hear on a regular basis. Ashleigh Ellis of Torrance, California received a Simon Youth Foundation Scholarship from Del Amo Fashion Center and chose to attend Chapman University in Orange, California. Ashleigh is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training and also wants to pursue a master’s degree... Read More

History Lesson Moves Students

Philosopher and Novelist George Santayana once said, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Though sometimes difficult, it is important to learn about historical events that transformed the landscape of the world. World War II and the Holocaust are not pleasant topics with a powerful but not happy ending. Students at Simon Youth Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy at Knoxville Center in Knoxville, Tennessee were tasked... Read More

Ameripark’s Holiday Valet Program Nets SYF $43K

It takes $1,000 to get a Simon Youth Academy student to graduation. At a reception at Shula’s Steakhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. on Thursday, March 28, Chip Patterson, the CEO of AmeriPark, one of the country’s leading parking management companies, presented a check big enough to give 43 more students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma. AmeriPark raised the $43,207 donation through its 2012 Holiday Valet Program at Simon® malls... Read More

Paying It Forward

There are many gifts given over the years, but how many times are those gifts taken for granted? Whether they are material goods or personal talents, everyone can make a real difference with even the smallest effort. Celebrating 15 years of igniting hope providing educational opportunities, Simon Youth Foundation has worked to help at-risk youth earn a diploma graduating more than 10,000 students at Simon Youth Academies. Similarly, SYF has awarded... Read More

Nudge in the Right Direction

“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” ~ John Wooden  Simon Youth Academy students at one time or another have faced adversity. Death in the family, teen parenthood, or bullying are just a few of the obstacles, but the one thing they all have in common – perseverance. Why they showed up is not nearly as important as... Read More

Two New SYF Advocates

Simon Youth Foundation works to ignite hope in at-risk youth across the country. In order to spread this message, it requires academy faculty and students, Simon Property Group employees and mall teams, and supporters to help champion the cause. Strong advocates help create awareness that is immeasurable. SYF has two new allies in the Indianapolis, Indiana area – sports radio personalities Jake Query and Derek Schultz. Query & Schultz host... Read More

Brandon Van Vleck Selected as Judson Independent School District Administrator of the Year

“Mr. Van Vleck is an excellent role model and the epitome of a great person with a heart for students,” said Elida Bera, Assistant Superintendent of Judson ISD. The Simon Youth Judson Learning Academy at Rolling Oaks Mall in San Antonio, Texas Administrator Brandon Van Vleck was awarded the 2013 Administrator of the Year for Judson Independent School District. For the past three years Brandon has made an incredible impact on at-risk youth. Simon... Read More

Della Lefevers celebrates 10th anniversary with SYF

Dedicated, thoughtful, caring, energetic and humble – these are just a few of the words co-workers, colleagues and friends use to describe Della Lefevers. Simon Youth Foundation is proud to recognize Della as she enters her 10th year on staff. Her impact on the success of SYF is immeasurable, but one thing is for sure – the education programs team would not be complete without her daily efforts to make a difference. “Della comes in each... Read More