The Simon Scholars program helps students facing difficult life circumstances excel academically and socially
7/2/2010
By Cynthia Hobgood
As part of its new multi-year partnership with the Simon Foundation for Education and Housing, America’s Promise Alliance will expand the Simon Foundation’s successful Simon Scholars Program, a unique $30,000, 6-year high school and college scholarship program for students that come from difficult life and economic circumstances. The partnership was recently announced at an event in Washington, D.C.
Simon Scholars is changing the odds for young people that show talent, leadership potential and a drive to succeed, in spite of their circumstances. Simon Scholars aren’t only prepared for success academically. They develop the social skills, communication skills, teamwork ability and personal confidence to be prepared for college, work and life.
“There is no greater satisfaction than investing in the lives of deserving young people, said Ron Simon, founding chairman, Simon Foundation. “It is humbling, gratifying and exciting to be able to personally watch lives change as a result of your contribution.”
Simon Scholars begin the program as they enter their junior year in high school and are required to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA by the end of their junior year. During their last two years of high school, Simon Scholars receive a cash stipend, laptop computer, social skills training, academic support, leadership training and community service activities. Simon Scholars participate in team building activities with their Simon Scholar peers, developing a strong support system. They then enter college with such enhanced self-confidence and self esteem making it highly likely to receive at least a bachelor's degree.
Scholars are also provided college-preparatory assistance through ACT and SAT courses, college tours and assistance in the application process from college coaches. Following the completion of high school, Simon Scholars receive a $16,000 college scholarship. Since 2003, more than 425 scholarships valued at $14 million have been awarded by the Simon Foundation. Of the students who have entered the Simon Scholars program, 85 percent are still in the program today or have graduated. Currently there are Simon Scholar chapters operating in 31 high schools in Georgia, New Mexico and California.
“It was difficult to stay on track when everyone around me was failing - when there weren't too many role models to look up to. I saw far too many students dropping out of high school and using drugs,” said Cindy Valverde, a Simon Scholar attending the University of San Diego with plans to attend medical school and become a doctor. “Nevertheless, it was my mom's encouragement and becoming a Simon Scholar that made me realize I could do more with my life. Today I am the volunteer director of a medical interpreting program at Palomar Medical Center.”
New chances for success
The Simon Scholars Candidate pilot program at Cesar Chavez Parkside High School will take a proactive approach by engaging students earlier in high school (9th and 10th grades) to help prepare them academically to become eligible to apply to become a Simon Scholar during the second semester of their sophomore year. Candidates will participate in Saturday academies focused on building academic, writing and speaking skills while exposing them to a wider range of educational, cultural and career opportunities within the nation’s capital. Following successful completion of their two years in the pilot program, these students may then apply to become Simon Scholars.
Another important component of this work is the newly announced Simon Scholars Collegiate Partners Program, where leading colleges and universities are being recruited to offer special admissions consideration and financial support to students who complete high school as Simon Scholars. Initial collegiate partners include the University of California at Irvine and Chapman University with several other universities in process.
The Simon Scholars program embodies what Grad Nation is all about. This unique and highly successful program offers much more than tuition for college. It directly addresses the barriers to completing high school and college that prove formidable for so many students. Focusing on strong candidates from minority communities and families living below the poverty level, the program follows proven approaches to address student needs holistically and helps them graduate high school with the academic and life skills to be ready for success in college and beyond.
“I've been through experiences that have been difficult for me to accept and overcome,” said Marquis Montgomery, another Simon Scholar, attending Kennesaw State University. “However, these experiences and the opportunities that the Simon Scholars program provided have fueled my desire to get a college education, secure a productive career and give back to my community.”
About the Simon Foundation for Education and Housing
The Simon Foundation for Education and Housing is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization which offers a unique high school and college scholarship program that empowers students to achieve the American dream of independence and self-sufficiency. Since its inception in 2003, the Simon Scholars Program has awarded over $14 million in scholarships. The Simon Scholars Program was created to provide disadvantaged youth with the life skills and the academic tools necessary to succeed in college and in life. The program is founded upon five principles—respect is earned, not given; self esteem comes from personal achievement; education creates opportunities, not guarantees; success is measured from within, not on a balance sheet; and opportunity denied is tragic, opportunity wasted is inexcusable. For more information about the Simon Scholars Program, visit www.simonscholars.org.