SYF Celebrates 15 Years of Igniting Hope

by | Jun 4, 2013 | General

In 1998, a collection of Simon Property Group employees saw problem – at-risk youth were falling through the cracks of the education system. Homelessness, teen parenthood, bullying and other life circumstances were preventing students from earning their diploma and...
Where is the door?

Where is the door?

by | May 31, 2013 | General

“I felt trapped and had nowhere to turn for help.” Hugo Hernandez has a story that, unfortunately, has become more common in the United States. After learning he was going to be a father at the age of 17, Hugo knew it was paramount to find a way to support his new...

Partnerships are Key to Success

by | May 29, 2013 | General

Simon Youth Foundation exists because of individual and corporate partnerships. Without critical funding, Simon Youth Academies and Simon Youth Scholarships would not be available to at-risk youth who need the chance to succeed. One of these corporate partners is SMS...

High school students given a second chance to graduate

by | May 24, 2013 | General

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – For many students, graduation is an expected end to their high school career. That was not the case for Sara Al-Khafaji. “I actually dropped out of school,” Al-Khafaji said. “I heard about the Academy at Hickory Hollow and I...

There’s a First for Everything

by | May 23, 2013 | General

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” It can be scary to make the decision that your dreams are worth it. When staring violence and poverty in the face, it’s hard...
You CAN do it

You CAN do it

by | May 21, 2013 | General

Breaking the cycle of self-destruction is difficult, if not impossible. When you stop working, it snowballs into getting behind, and before you know it you can’t catch back up no matter how hard you try. This is what Devika Bishun faced after losing her father in...