Simon Announces 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 students of all backgrounds through Simon Supports Education. The movement incorporates several activations designed to engage shoppers in SYF’s mission.

SYF operates more than 30 non-traditional high schools called Simon Youth Academies across the country and additionally provides renewable scholarships to graduating seniors in communities where there is a Simon property, including Albertville Premium Outlets in Albertville, MN and Twin Cities Premium Outlets in Eagan, MN.

Since its inception in 1998, Simon Youth Foundation has helped more than 15,660 students at risk of dropping out of high school graduate and has awarded nearly $17 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 Sarah Dorrian Smith, Area Director of Marketing of Albertville Premium Outlets and Twin Cities Premium Outlets. “We are incredibly proud to invite our shoppers to join us in supporting this incredible organization.”

This year, Albertville Premium Outlets will present Grace Schillewaert from Monticello with a $1,500 scholarship. Schillewaert plans to study Education at the College of Saint Benedict this fall. Twin Cities Premium Outlets will award Trinity Vang from Saint Paul with a $1,500 scholarship. Vang plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and study Marketing.

Shoppers of Twin Cities Premium Outlets also can support local students, scholarships and academies at the center’s Wishing Well located in Market Hall by tossing in coins to honor and celebrate a recent local graduate.

“Simon Youth Foundation believes all youth, no matter their personal circumstances, should have the opportunity and resources to pursue their dreams through education, and that financial reasons should never prevent students from achieving their goals,” said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, President and CEO of SYF. “We are humbled to have the incredible support of our corporate partner, Simon, and its Simon Supports Education movement.”

About Simon Youth Foundation®

As Simon’s charity of choice, Simon Youth Foundation® (SYF) fosters and improves educational opportunities, career development and life skills to transform the lives of at-risk youth. SYF is a national nonprofit that partners with local public school districts to build high schools called Simon Youth Academies inside Simon malls, which provide students at risk of dropping out of high school with the personalized support they need to graduate. Since 1999, Simon Youth Academies have maintained a 90 percent high school graduation rate, helping thousands of students earn their high school diplomas. SYF also awards more than $1 million in scholarships annually to graduating seniors in Simon mall communities to further their education. Learn more at syf.org or by following SYF on Facebook (@SimonYouthFoundation), Instagram (@SimonYouthFoundation), Twitter (@Simon_Youth) or LinkedIn.

About Simon

Simon is a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations and an S&P 100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our properties across North America, Europe, and Asia provide community gathering places for millions of people every day and generate billions in annual sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

About Twin Cities Premium Outlets®

Twin Cities Premium Outlets is conveniently located in the city of Eagan, off Hwy 77 and Hwy 13, approximately 28 minutes south of Minneapolis and 25 minutes southwest of St. Paul. Shopper favorites include adidas, Michael Kors, Nike, Under Armour, Vera Bradley, LOFT Outlet, True Religion and more. For more information, call (612) 444-8850, visit www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/twin-cities, or follow the center on Facebook (facebook.com/twincitiespremiumoutlets), Twitter (@tcpremoutlets) and Instagram (@tcpremoutlets).

About Albertville Premium Outlets®

Located 30 minutes north of Minneapolis along the I-94 corridor, Albertville Premium Outlets is home to popular brands including kate spade new york, lululemon athletica, The North Face, UGG Australia, Michael Kors, Under Armour, Old Navy Outlet and many others. For more information, call (763) 497-9713, visit www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/albertville, or follow the center on Facebook (facebook.com/albertvillepremiumoutlets), Twitter (@AlbertvillePO) and Instagram (@albertvillepremiumoutlets).