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. SYF also provides renewable scholarships to graduating seniors in communities where there is a Simon property.

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 Mary Mokwa, general manager of Southridge Mall. “We are incredibly proud to invite our shoppers to join us in supporting this incredible organization.”

This year, Southridge Mall will present Jessica Olson from Brookfield Central High School in Brookfield, Wis. with a $1,500 scholarship. Olson plans to study actuarial sciences at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee this fall.

Southridge Mall 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.

Wishing Well: Toss coins into the Wishing Well, located in the North Court next to the Food Court, 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 SYF

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 Southridge Mall

###a name="_Hlk511114427">Southridge Mall is one of Wisconsin's largest regional shopping destinations with major department stores, including Macy’s, Kohl’s and JCPenney. Southridge Mall offers a variety of shopping choices for the entire family, with more than 125 popular retail stores such as Aéropostale, Bath & Body Works, Chico’s, Disney Store, Express, Francesca’s, H&M, Old Navy, PINK, Shoe Dept. Encore, and Victoria’s Secret. Shoppers can enjoy delicious eateries like The Explorium Brewpub and a contemporary 600-seat food court. Southridge Mall also offers fun family experiences including an interactive children’s play area and the new Marcus BistroPlex, an eight-screen movie theater with a full service restaurant. For additional information, visit