History of SYF
Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) began in 1998 after employees in Simon malls noticed a community need, the education of at-risk youth, and began a grassroots effort to make a difference. A committee formed and focused on how to address the issue in a unique way, while also having major impact.
The idea that developed involved using Simon malls, a place where kids like to be, as a location to educate them. The concept grew out of the belief that many at-risk kids could and would graduate if provided the right support and environment. The innovative idea was brought to fruition through the creation of SYF as an independent nonprofit organization.
Chairperson Deborah Simon and the Board of Directors established that SYF’s mission would be accomplished by working with public school districts to establish the unique mall schools, called Education Resource Centers (ERCs), and providing post-secondary scholarships to ERC graduates and high school seniors across the country. The ERCs give students the education they would receive in a traditional classroom, but in a flexible environment designed to meet their needs.
Arny Bereson, SYF's first Executive Director, carried out the board’s vision of establishing two ERCs in the first year. Continuing under current Executive Vice President, Dr. Richard Markoff, SYF now has 25 ERCs in 12 states across the country.
Yesterday, today and tomorrow, SYF’s expansion is rooted in the desire to offer more opportunities, and ultimately impact more students.