The founding member of the nonprofit was an advocate for students throughout her lifetime
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (October 6, 2020) – Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national nonprofit committed to helping students graduate, today announced it will rename the Simon Youth Community Scholarship Program in memory of its Founding Board Member and Vice Chair Shari Simon Greenberg.
The 20-year program will now be named the Shari Simon Greenberg Community Scholarship of the Simon Youth Foundation in recognition of Shari’s passion for helping students graduate and her connection to Simon centers across the country. A Simon Property Group executive for 35 years, Shari most recently served as Chair, Pro Tempore, for the Foundation.
“Since the founding of Simon Youth Foundation in 1998, Shari Simon Greenberg tirelessly championed opportunities for students with overlooked or unseen potential to pursue their dreams through education,” said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, President and CEO, SYF. “She was a true champion for our mission, and an advocate for teachers and students nationwide. We are honored that the Board took action to name the Shari Simon Greenberg Community Scholarship Program of the Simon Youth Foundation in her memory, ensuring Shari’s legacy endures for years to come.”
In addition to naming its community scholarship program in Shari’s memory, the SYF Board of Directors bestowed the honor of Emeritus Board Member to Shari Simon Greenberg, posthumously.
Each year, Shari Simon Greenberg Community Scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors who live in a Simon mall community. Scholarship recipients are eligible for a one-time scholarship valued at up to $1,500, which may be applied to tuition at an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school. Students who will be graduating high school in 2021 and live in a community surrounding a Simon mall, Mills or Premium Outlet are eligible to apply for scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year through February 17, 2021. For more information, to confirm eligibility and apply for a scholarship, please visit syf.org/scholarships/.
About Simon Youth Foundation
Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) is a national nonprofit committed to helping students reach graduation day. SYF works toward this mission by partnering with local public school districts to launch Simon Youth Academies, alternative classroom settings located primarily in Simon Malls, and by providing Simon Youth Scholarships to Academy graduates and students who live near Simon Malls. Since its inception, SYF has maintained a 90 percent graduation rate at its 42 Simon Youth Academies in 15 states, helping nearly 22,000 students earn their high school diplomas, and has awarded $19 million in scholarships. Visit syf.org to learn more.
