From Big Dreams to Bigger Opportunities
Partnering with public school districts and charter schools to help curb the dropout epidemic.
What We Do
Our Mission
Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Indianapolis, is committed to helping students graduate. SYF believes that all youth, no matter their personal circumstances, should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams through education. SYF executes its mission through two major programs.
Simon Youth Scholarships
Every student with the determination to learn deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education. Each year, SYF awards an average of $1 million (based on available funding) in scholarships to help offset post-secondary expenses. By focusing on first-generation college students and those with financial need, we ensure more young people have the chance to chase their dreams—no matter their circumstances.
Simon Youth Academies
In partnership with local public school districts and charter schools, SYF establishes Simon Youth Academies—alternative high schools or programs that provide personalized support to students who might otherwise drop out. Primarily located in Simon Mall communities, these Academies offer a lifeline for young people facing challenges such as homelessness, bullying, serious illness, parenthood, or the need to work and support their families. By tailoring education to individual needs, we empower students to keep moving forward and ultimately earn their high school diplomas.
Our Impact
In the 2023-2024 academic year, SYF students achieved a 90% graduation rate – eclipsing the national average. Since its inception, SYF has helped more than 29,000 students graduate from our nationwide network of 33 Simon Youth Academies in 12 states. Through the recently launched SYF Alumni Network, SYF’s graduates can connect with their fellow alumni, explore professional and event opportunities, and share important milestones with SYF.
What We Do
Our Mission
Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Indianapolis, is committed to helping students graduate. SYF believes that all youth, no matter their personal circumstances, should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams through education. SYF executes its mission through two major programs.
Simon Youth Scholarships
Simon Youth Foundation works to help students achieve their goals, and cost alone should not prevent a student from furthering their education. Each year, SYF awards, on average, $1 million, based on available funding, in scholarships to help students with the cost of post-secondary education.
Targeting first-generation college students and those with demonstrated financial need, the Simon Youth Scholarships program furthers the SYF commitment to extending educational opportunities to all students who want to learn, regardless of their circumstances.
Simon Youth Academies
In partnership with local public school districts, SYF establishes alternative high schools or programs called Simon Youth Academies, through which students at risk of dropping out receive the personalized support needed to earn their diplomas.
Primarily located in Simon Mall communities, Simon Youth Academies make learning accessible to students who struggle to connect with material in a traditional classroom or school because of homelessness, bullying, serious illness, parenthood, supporting their families, or other challenging personal circumstances.
In the 2022-2023 academic year, SYF students achieved a 93% graduation rate – eclipsing the national average. Since its inception, SYF has helped more than 27,949 students graduate from our nationwide network of 32 Simon Youth Academies in 12 states. Through the recently launched SYF Alumni Network, SYF’s graduates can connect with their fellow alumni, explore professional and event opportunities, and share important milestones with SYF.
COPYRIGHT© 2025, SIMON YOUTH FOUNDATION, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
By using this site, you agree to abide by its Terms of Use, which prohibit commercial use of any information on this site.
View our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy &
