Simon Youth Foundation seeks applicants for $1 million in scholarships

[Ariadne Venegas]

Simon Youth Foundation seeks applicants for $1 million in scholarships

 

El Paso, TX – This year, living near Cielo Vista Mall could help a graduating senior pay for college. Simon Youth Foundation, a national nonprofit that provides educational opportunities for at-risk high school students, has begun looking for a graduating senior who lives within fifty miles of Cielo Vista Mall. 

 

Each year, Simon Youth Community Scholarships are awarded in every community across the country that is home to Simon, Mills, or Premium Outlets malls. The application period has begun and ends on March 1, 2016.

 

Students can apply online by visiting syf.org/scholarships.

 

Any student who will be graduating in the class of 2016 and lives within 50 miles of a Simon property is eligible. Recipients will receive up to $1,500 to enroll in an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school.

 

In 2015, the Simon Youth Foundation awarded $1.2 million to 300 students nationwide.

 

“The cost of college continues to rise, and SYF is proud to partner with Cielo Vista Mall to award scholarships that will remove some of the financial obstacles that could otherwise prevent a student from achieving the dream of a college education,” said Michael Durnil, SYF President and CEO.

 

The 2016 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 in May.

 

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 27 Simon Youth Academies in 12 states. In the organization’s 17-year history, more than 13,000 students have earned their diploma and more than $13 million in scholarships have been awarded.

 

About Cielo Vista

Cielo Vista Mall is El Paso’s main shopping destination and is situated on the east side of the city. The mall is climate controlled and home to over 140 specialty stores such as Dillard’s, Apple Store, Michael Kors, Sephora and Forever 21.  It is also home to other specialty shops ranging from men’s, women’s and children’s apparel to shoes and accessories. The mall features several sit down restaurants such as Olive Garden and Hooter’s plus several eateries, including Chick-fil-A. Guests can also catch the latest movie releases at the multi-screen Cinemark Theater complex located in the west outer parking lot. The mall is easily accessible off interstate 10 and Hawkins Blvd. Cielo Vista Mall serves the nearby communities of Socorro, Fabens, Ft. Bliss and the International City of Juarez, Mexico.

 

 

Caroline Dawson

Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations

Niels Esperson Building | 808 Travis, Suite 1100

Houston, Texas 77002 | Tel [phone]