Congratulations Brandi!

SYF President and CEO Dr. J. Michael Durnil (left) with
Senior Director of Advancement Brandi Young (right).

Simon Youth Foundation is proud to announce that the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Indiana Chapter has named Brandi Young, Simon Youth Foundation’s Senior Director of Advancement, to its Board of Directors. The formal election took place during the Annual Meeting Wednesday.

“Brandi is a great asset to SYF and now to AFP-Indiana,” said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, SYF’s President and CEO. “She brings a wealth of talent and experience including staff leadership, strategic planning, revenue and expense forecasting, event planning and donor stewardship. Overall, she’s responsible for multi-channel fundraising activities that generate more than $3.3 million annually for SYF. I am proud to have her on my team and am sure AFP-Indiana will feel the same way.”        

Brandi earned her bachelor’s degree in sports marketing from Indiana University-Bloomington. She has been with Simon Youth Foundation nine years and serves as chief liaison to the Foundation’s corporate donors, including Simon Property Group and Simon mall platforms, and facilitating a wide-range of nationwide fundraising events each year. Prior to joining SYF, Brandi worked for Simon Property Group in various field capacities. She has also completed course work and professional training at The Fund Raising School, part of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI.

A regular volunteer and troop leader with the Girl Scouts of America, Brandi is also involved with a number of local township, school and service projects in and around the Indianapolis area. She has held steadfast to her belief that with education as a foundation, all youth can go anywhere their dreams take them.

Founded in 1978, AFP-IC is the premiere statewide association for fundraising professionals and offers a host of professional development opportunities, certifications and networking within the industry. Brandi’s election to this board gives the Foundation an increased presence in the fundraising community locally and nationally.

Please join all of us at SYF in congratulating Brandi and wish her well on this new endeavor.

In two minutes

Ignite hope in at-risk youth by making a
donation at syf.org/donate.

What can you do in two minutes? We are often in such a rush with meetings, text messages and filling out reports, do you ever stop and think the impact you could have in two minutes? Every 29 seconds a student decides to give up on getting a high school diploma. That means in two minutes four more students will walk away from reaching their potential. You can do something to prevent this from happening. Take those 120 seconds and donate to Simon Youth Foundation.

For every $1,000 raised, SYF can help a student graduate from a Simon Youth Academy. This graduate has the opportunity to earn on average $350,000 more over their lifetime than a dropout.  Perhaps more importantly, however, the walls and obstacles have been removed so they can pursue their dreams. If they start here, they can go anywhere.

In partnership with local school districts, Simon Youth Academies create a community around the student where new ways of thinking are practiced, expressed and nurtured. Students may have experienced bullying, early parenthood, illness or some other hardship that prevented them from seeing the benefits of an education. Teachers reach the students where they are and guide them to where they need to be. Across the SYF Academy network, more than 90% receive their diploma which is a testament to the daily hard work of more than 120 educators.

Since 1998, SYF has graduated more than 10,000 at-risk students and awarded over $10 million in scholarships to more than 3,600 students in 42 states. These statistics only show part of the story. SYF is working hard to continue this momentum and we need your help.

In honor of SYF igniting hope for 15 years, consider making an investment in the future.

Visit syf.org/donate

10,000!

Press can contact DPW PR Representative
Hailey Kleiderer at 409.771.5522 or
SYF Communications Manager
Thomas McAninch at 317.640.2391 for interviews.

Simon Youth Foundation is proud to announce that the nationwide academy network has reached their 10,000th graduate. Dustin Asbury of Simon Youth Judson Learning Academy at Rolling Oaks Mall in San Antonio, Texas was honored, along with the Academy staff at a surprise celebration today where students and donors were on hand to honor academy scholarship recipients and the historic graduate.

Upon completion of the scholarship presentation, the Rolling Oaks Mall team unveiled the new graduation wall of honor and as they did, the surprise of having the 10,000th graduate was revealed. Those in attendance erupted with applause and even a few tears of joy flowed from the eyes of those who have worked so hard to make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth.

Igniting hope for 15 years, SYF reaches this milestone at a critical time in the high school dropout crisis. Every 29 seconds a student decides to give up on his or her dreams. As a result, they lose the ability to apply for 90% of all available jobs and will likely earn $350,000 less in their lifetime compared to a graduate. Because SYF has stepped in to curb this unfortunate reality, 10,000 at-risk youth are making a difference in their communities and families inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

The Simon Youth Judson Learning Academy was the first academy established by Simon Youth Foundation. Since that time, more than 1,100 graduates have crossed the stage to receive their diploma. The economic impact to the San Antonio area exceeds $220 million which doesn’t include those going on to attend trade schools and two or four year higher education institutions. Having 23 Academies in 13 states, SYF works with more than 50 public school districts to ensure these at-risk students have educational opportunities and don’t fall through the cracks. While the work is still ongoing, reaching the 10,000th graduate is a remarkable milestone that will help propel the foundation towards expanding its ability to impact the nation’s at-risk youth.

Our 10,000th graduate grew up in Converse, Texas with a brother and his parents. Dustin was failing his classes and struggled with the distractions that are present in a traditional high school setting. When he got to the Academy, Dustin loved learning at his own pace and having an environment more conducive to concentrating on his work. Dustin earned his diploma and now has limitless possibilities. Today, he works in sales for Magnum Custom Trailers and loves his job. While Dustin isn’t sure what the future holds, he knows with diploma in hand he can go anywhere his dreams take him.

Many dignitaries were on hand to convey their congratulations to the student and the Academy including a graduate from 2000 who is now the Mayor of nearby Kirby, Texas the honorable Tim Wilson. His experience was much like that of our 10,000th graduate. Tim received a second chance at the Academy and did not take it for granted. He is now an inspiration to the students at the Academy and is an advocate of education in his city.

Rolling Oaks Mall presented a Simon Mall gift card to Dustin for $1,000 and SYF corporate partner Swatch gave him a branded orange and blue watch to commemorate the day. In addition to the individual honors, Simon Youth Judson Learning Academy was presented a check on behalf of corporate partner CVS Caremark for $10,000 and node chairs for the classrooms from Steelcase Education Solutions valued at more than $15,000.

SYF works to ensure at-risk youth don’t fall through the cracks and end up part of the high school dropout statistics. Not only do they succeed in earning their diploma, they succeed in inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

In reaching this milestone, SYF wants to thank Tim Wilson, Mayor City of Kirby, Texas, Arnoldo Salinas, Judson Independent School District School Board President, Dr. Willis Mackey, Judson Independent School District Superintendent, Valerie Flores, Mall Manager, Rolling Oaks Mall, Ernie DuPont, Director Workforce Initiatives, CVS Caremark, Paige Barnett of Steelcase, Yvette Reyna, Executive Director for Judson Education Foundation, Beverly Oliver, JLA Founder, Rebecca Scoggins, Regional Vice President-Southwest, Simon Property Group, Chacko Sleeba, Regional Director of Operations-Southwest, Simon Property Group, Kimberly LaQue, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Rolling Oaks Mall, & Ashley Pearce, Vice President, Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations.

SYF Celebrates 15 Years of Igniting Hope

In 1998, a collection of Simon Property Group employees saw problem – at-risk youth were falling through the cracks of the education system. Homelessness, teen parenthood, bullying and other life circumstances were preventing students from earning their diploma and ensuring a successful future. One of the founders Tim Earnest, Senior Vice President, Simon Management Group, Simon Property Group, helped formulate a system of working with public school districts and creating Simon Youth Academies to give these youth an alternative to the traditional high school. Here students would have the ability to work at their own pace and get hands-on instruction from teachers in a smaller setting. It worked.

Fifteen years later, there are 23 Simon Youth Academies in 13 states that work with more than 50 public school districts. Academies have graduated more than 10,000 students and done so at a 90% graduation rate, well above the national average. Simon Youth Foundation has turned around lives full of turmoil and difficulty into successful, productive men and women. Minimum wage, dead end jobs have now turned into the ability for one of these diploma carrying individuals to earn more than $350,000 in their lifetime compared to a dropout. All because a handful of SPG employees decided the status quo wasn’t the answer. They wanted a better future for at-risk youth and now it has become a reality.

Tim tells the story of SYF’s beginnings, present and future in this video. Pass on this testimonial to help ensure even more at-risk youth can see success and pass it on to the next generation.

Where is the door?

“I felt trapped and had nowhere to turn for help.”

Hugo Hernandez has a story that, unfortunately, has become more common in the United States. After learning he was going to be a father at the age of 17, Hugo knew it was paramount to find a way to support his new family. His girlfriend was kicked out of her home and his family was non-existent, most moving back to Mexico five years ago. Hugo’s father had nine kids of his own, so looking for support from him was wishful thinking. The decision to drop out of high school was an unfortunate reality.

Mowing lawns and landscaping keeps food on the table, but with rent and bills the door of opportunity wouldn’t be opening any time soon. Simon Youth Judson Learning Academy at Rolling Oaks Mall in San Antonio, Texas was introduced to Hugo as a chance to earn his diploma and continue working. He was able to balance school work and his job, and now he is poised to graduate in June.

“I focused like never before on my education,” said Hugo. “The flexible schedule, the amazing teachers, and the ability to work on my own made me learn a lot more than what I thought.”

The Academy has ignited Hugo’s love for education and his desire to make a better life for his family. While he hasn’t decided exactly what he wants to do, he has the opportunity to go anywhere his dreams take him.

“I will never let a chance like this one go in life. I realize that in my case without an education I will be nowhere. I have hope now of becoming someone better in the future and I will do the impossible to provide better for family.”

Simon Youth Foundation is celebrating 15 years of igniting hope, graduating more than 10,000 students, and awarding more than $10 million in scholarships. The 23 academies in 13 states partner with more than 50 school districts and graduate students at a 90% rate. Learn more at syf.org.

Partnerships are Key to Success

Simon Youth Foundation exists because of individual and corporate partnerships. Without critical funding, Simon Youth Academies and Simon Youth Scholarships would not be available to at-risk youth who need the chance to succeed. One of these corporate partners is SMS Holdings who have chosen to invest in the future.

SYF knows it takes $1,000 to graduate a student in one of our 23 Academies in 13 states. In addition, a graduate earns more than $350,000 over their lifetime compared to their dropout counterpart. According to a study conducted by Northeastern University, on any given day, about one in every 10 young male high school dropouts is in jail or juvenile detention. This scary statistic is yet another reason to support the mission of SYF and keep at-risk youth on the path toward personal and professional success.

Why does SMS Holdings support the efforts of SYF? Take a look at the video featuring Keith Wolken, SMS Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, and Jim Burnett, SMS Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer.

High school students given a second chance to graduate

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - For many students, graduation is an expected end to their high school career. That was not the case for Sara Al-Khafaji.

"I actually dropped out of school," Al-Khafaji said. "I heard about the Academy at Hickory Hollow and I decided to come here.

"For most of the graduates, an Academy program was their last chance at getting a high school diploma."We take them in. We fuss at them, we hug them," Academy at Hickory Hollow Principal, Billy Fellman said. "But if they're determined they're going to get their high school diploma."

"(I) tried my best to go to other schools," Al-Khafaji said, "but they wouldn't accept me because I was too old."

The Academy at Hickory Hollow, Opry Mills and Old Cockrill all provide credit recovery programs. Together, they've graduated about 1,400 students in the last four years.

"I'm going to Nashville State. I'm going to major in computer technology," Academy at Opry Mills graduate William Norfleet said. "I hope to be an IT guy someday."

A majority of the graduates have already committed to attending college, the military or a  vocational school.

"We look at the whole picture. After high school what are we going to do to get you ready for life," Fellman said. "We help get jobs also for those who college is not in their future."

It's programs like this, that have helped cut Metro's dropout rate in half. Just by giving student's like Sara another chance, this time to celebrate being the first female in her family to graduate from high school.

Credit to: Aundrea Cline-Thomas, News Channel 5 in Nashville, TN

NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather

There's a First for Everything

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” It can be scary to make the decision that your dreams are worth it. When staring violence and poverty in the face, it’s hard to realize there is a way out. Luis Prieto-Pena was on the verge of giving up hope that his life could be different than his older siblings and kids in his neighborhood on the eastside of Indianapolis (IN). Working third shift to help support his mother and five siblings was a big responsibility for a 17 year old, but Luis had a friend who ignited hope that by earning a high school diploma he could break the cycle of despair.

In America’s down economy, stories like Luis’ are growing. More than 7,000 youth walk away from high school every day, some mere credits shy of earning their diploma. Luis was almost a year behind in school and saw no way to recover from the lost classes. Simon Youth Pacers Academy at Washington Square Mall showed him a way to keep his job and earn his diploma. Not only did Luis become the first in his family to graduate high school, he did so by exceeding everyone’s expectations. He developed a love of numbers and decided he wanted to go after a career that would keep math in his life.

Watch Luis’ complete story here. Be sure to share it with everyone you know, especially those who may need a little inspiration to become who they are meant to be.

You CAN do it

Breaking the cycle of self-destruction is difficult, if not impossible. When you stop working, it snowballs into getting behind, and before you know it you can’t catch back up no matter how hard you try. This is what Devika Bishun faced after losing her father in January of 2010.

Devika became very sick due to stress. She started to miss school and quickly became unfocused. In her junior year, she realized graduation would be impossible if she didn’t start applying herself. She was so far behind her classmates, no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t get back what she let go. She began to give up hope until she was introduced to Simon Youth Academy at the Terrace at the Florida Mall in Orlando, Florida.

“Simon Youth Academy gave me a second chance to prove to myself that I can be successful,” said Devika. “The teachers were so patient with me to make sure I would be able to make my next future steps. My experience at the Academy has not just been attending school, but it made me feel like I was going to my second family.”

Devika said crossing the stage to accept her hard-earned diploma will be a special experience. Going from a deep hole to having hands extended to help her find the fortitude to do it is something she will never forget or take for granted.

“I will be the first in my family to earn a high school diploma and I am very proud that my diploma will be part of ensuring a successful future. I will further my studies in Social Work to help families and children deal with emotional and physical difficulties. Due to losing my father and receiving tremendous help from different social workers and programs, this dream has become possible and I want to inspire this hope in others.”

Devika’s goal is to work with Hospice and Palliative Care to care for people who are facing a life-threatening illness or injury. She wants to emotionally and spiritually support patients’ needs and wishes, and support the patient’s loved ones as well. Devika learned more than just history and math, she learned that all someone needs is a chance and someone to be there for support along the way.

Thank You Teachers

Somewhere along the way, a teacher influenced your life in a big way. Perhaps the teacher encouraged you to pursue a particular interest or skill, challenged you to push the limits and achieve more, or saw something in you that you were unable to see on your own. The first week of May is an opportunity to thank those teachers who helped you and continues to influence the lives of countless other students.

For 15 years, teachers at Simon Youth Academies have been igniting hope in at-risk youth across the United States. Some of the best teachers and administrators in the nation take on the challenge to see these students through high school graduation. Without the steadfast support of more than 120 teachers in 23 Academies in 13 states, more than 10,000 students would have become statistics in the dropout crisis facing America. Instead these 10,000 graduates are able to pursue their dreams all thanks to the teachers who put in tireless effort to see them succeed.

The most important factor in a student’s success in school is the quality of the teacher in the classroom. It takes a special kind of person to become a teacher, especially one that has decided a Simon Youth Academy is where they can make the most difference. The time and energy they devote to ensure these students don’t fall through the cracks and can instead walk away with their diploma is admirable and deserves our deepest appreciation.

Day in and day out these teachers don’t look for recognition, but there is a way to show them how much you care. PEOPLE magazine wants to highlight amazing teachers by announcing the first PEOPLE Teacher of the Year Award. You can download an application and nominate your favorite teacher. Applications will be accepted through July 2, and the winners will be determined by PEOPLE's editors and an independent panel of education professionals. The panel includes Kimberly Oliver Burnim, a prize-winning Maryland teacher; John Deasy, superintendent of L.A. Unified School District; Lily Eskelsen of the National Education Association; Wendy Kopp, founder and CEO of Teach for America; and Grammy-winning musician and philanthropist John Legend.

Five educators working in grades K-12, who are making a difference in their students' lives, will be awarded a $5,000 prize, with support from the sponsor Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats cereal.

Take a moment today to thank a teacher and nominate them for all they have done for you.