Give the Gift of Education at Katy-area mall
Katy, Texas – January 24, 2018 – 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 Katy Mills. SYF also provides a scholarship to one student in every community where there is a Simon property. Since its inception in 1998, Simon Youth Foundation has helped more than 15,000 at-risk students receive a high school diploma, and has awarded more than $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 Sabrina Scruta at Katy Mills. “We are incredibly proud to invite our shoppers to join us in supporting this incredible organization.”
This year, Katy Mills presented Max Spungin from Seven Lakes High School with a $4,000 scholarship. Max plans to begin studies at the community college level. Max’s resilience after suffering through the traumatic events of Hurricane Harvey show the level of commitment it takes to completing this stage of education.
In addition, Simon Youth Academy will hold a graduation ceremony on Thursday, January 25.
Katy Mills 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.
“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 organization, 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 15,000 students, and awarded more than $17 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 Katy Mills
Katy Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in South Texas, provides the ultimate shopping experience with more than 175 outlet and value retail stores, including Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Coach Factory Store, Forever 21, Banana Republic Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, J.Crew Factory, Kenneth Cole Company Store and Guess Factory Store. Shoppers can dine at great restaurants including Rainforest Cafe or catch a movie at AMC 20 Theatres.
Katy Mills is located at I-10 and Pin Oak Road in Katy, TX, 28 miles west of Houston. It is open regularly from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Mon.-Sat., and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, please call (281) 644-5000 or visit www.katymills.com. Like Katy Mills on Facebook at facebook.com/ShopKatyMills and follow us on Twitter @KatyMeansMore and on Instagram @katymeansmore.