Simon Youth Foundation Scholarships

Name: Simon Youth Foundation Scholarships

Award Amount: Varies (scholarships awarded from an average of $1 million annually)

Information And Eligibility:
The Simon Youth Foundation Scholarships are a collection of financially supportive awards offered through the Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing educational access and helping students pursue post-secondary goals regardless of background or circumstance. Each year, the foundation awards an average of $1 million in scholarships to students preparing for college, vocational training, or technical education, focusing on first-generation college students and those with demonstrated financial need.

SYF’s scholarship offerings include multiple program streams designed to meet the needs of a diverse applicant pool. The Shari Simon Greenberg Community Scholarships support high school seniors living near Simon malls or in surrounding communities, providing a community-centered opportunity for students to receive financial support for continuing their education. The Simon Youth Academy Scholarships are reserved for graduates of Simon Youth Academies — alternative high school programs operated by SYF in partnership with public school districts — recognizing those who have completed their diploma within these supportive learning environments. Additionally, the Greg Saunders Legacy Program Scholarships are available to dependents of employees of Simon Property Group, extending educational support within the organization’s extended community.

Recipients of Simon Youth Foundation Scholarships are selected based on academic potential, financial need, personal initiative, community involvement, and other criteria as defined by each specific scholarship stream. SYF scholarships can be applied toward essential education-related expenses including tuition, fees, books, and other costs associated with attending a college, university, vocational program, or technical training institution. The foundation’s mission emphasizes reducing financial barriers so that motivated students can pursue their academic and career aspirations with greater confidence and support.

The application process typically opens in the late summer and runs through February, allowing students to apply well in advance of the academic year for which they seek support. Applicants should review the specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship category and submit all required documentation and narrative statements via the online application portal during the open window.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a graduating high school senior, Simon Youth Academy graduate, or dependent of a Simon Property Group employee, depending on the specific scholarship program.
• Must demonstrate financial need and/or first-generation college intent, as required by the scholarship category.
• Applicants for community scholarships must reside near a Simon mall or in applicable surrounding communities.
• Simon Youth Academy Scholarships require graduation from a Simon Youth Academy.
• Greg Saunders Legacy Program Scholarships require eligibility as a dependent of a qualifying Simon Property Group employee.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online scholarship application through the Simon Youth Foundation portal.
• Academic transcripts or documentation of graduation status (if applicable).
• Financial information supporting need (such as FAFSA results or equivalent).
• Personal statement or essay detailing educational goals and background.
• Letters of recommendation or references, if required by the specific scholarship stream.

Additional Details:

• Scholarships are awarded based on available funding and applicant pool strength.
• Funds may be used for tuition, required fees, books, and other qualified education expenses.
• Recipients are typically notified by spring following application review.
• Multiple scholarship types are available under the Simon Youth Foundation umbrella, each with its own criteria.

Deadline: February

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