Simon Announces New Activation: Simon Supports Education

Simon, a global leader in retail real estate ownership, is proud to support Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) in its efforts to increase educational opportunities for at-risk students through Simon Supports Education. The movement incorporates several activations designed to engage shoppers in SYF’s mission

The Foundation operates 30 non-traditional high school academies across the country, housed primarily in Simon properties, including one at Towne East Square. SYF also provides a scholarship to at least one student in every community where there is a Simon property. Since its inception in 1998, Simon Youth Foundation has helped more than 14,000 at-risk students receive a high school diploma, and has awarded more than $16 million in scholarships. Simon Supports Education encourages shoppers to help SYF continue this incredible legacy.

“Simon Youth Foundation is a national organization, but we can feel the benefit of its efforts right here at home,” said Sara Schmidtke, director of marketing and business development at Towne East Square. “We are incredibly proud to invite our shoppers to join us in supporting this incredible organization.”

This year, Towne East Square will present Nacole Cole from Chester I. Lewis Academy with a $40,000 scholarship. Nacole plans to study social work and psychology at Wichita State University this fall. Additionally, Towne East Square will present Jeremiah Cesena, also from Chester I. Lewis Academy, with a $32,000 scholarship. Jeremiah will also be attending Wichita State University in the fall and will study engineering.

In addition, Chester I. Lewis Academy & Wichita Learning Connection will graduate 38 students during a ceremony at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17. The ceremony will take place at Towne East Square’s Lower Level JCPenney Wing. Both scholarship recipients, Nacole and Jeremiah, will be announced as this year’s scholarship recipients during the ceremony.

Towne East Square is now offering community members the opportunity to support local students, scholarships and academies through several planned activities and activations, such as:

Simon Gift Card Purchases: $1 from every SYF Simon Visa gift card purchase will support scholarship and graduation programs in the community. These eye-catching cards are the perfect gift for every graduate on your list this spring.

SYF Photo Booth: Stop by the SYF selfie station and play with props such as caps, gowns and filters. Share the photos to your social networks with the hashtag #SYF2017 to show your support for education in your community.

“Simon Youth Foundation believes that every student deserves the support necessary to earn their high school diploma, and that financial reasons should never be the reason preventing a student from pursuing their dreams,” said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, President and CEO of SYF. “We are thrilled to have the support of our incredible corporate partner, Simon, and their Simon Supports Education movement.”

About SYF

Simon Youth Foundation, a national, Four Star Charity based in Indianapolis, exists to help at-risk students who are on the verge of dropping out of high school stay in school. Through 30 Simon Youth Academies in 12 states and Simon Youth Scholarships, SYF advocates, creates and initiates educational opportunities for students by creating learning environments primarily located inside Simon malls. Working in partnership with local public schools, SYF has maintained a 90 percent graduation rate at its Academies since inception, graduated more than 14,000 students, and awarded more than $16 million in scholarships. Learn more at syf.org.

About Simon

Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and a S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

About Towne East Square

Towne East Square is the largest retail shopping destination in Kansas anchored by Dillard’s, Von Maur, JCPenney and Sears. This fashionable center offers a variety of shopping options with more than 125 popular retail stores such as Coach, Forever 21, EXPRESS, Pandora, rue21, Tilly’s and Victoria’s Secret. In addition, shoppers enjoy a variety of delicious dining options like Beard Papa’s, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Noodles & Co., Charley’s Philly Steaks and more. Towne East Square is conveniently located at 7700 E. Kellogg Drive in Wichita, Kansas. For more information, visit www.simon.com/mall/towne-east-square or call (316) 686-3341. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TowneEastSquare and follow us on Twitter @TowneEastSquare and on Instagram @TowneEastSquare.