SYF "Simon Youth Foundation" SERVICE LEARNING
Simon Youth Foundation
Simon Youth Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in August of 1998 and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. "A model private provider of alternative education programs…empowering students with the confidence and skills to achieve their dreams." -Edward G. Rendell, Governor, Pennsylvania In Pennsylvania, there are 640 alternative education programs. PHASE 4 Learning Center recieved an Alternative Education Best Practices certificate from Secretary of Education Vicki Philips at the annual PDE Alternative Education conference. One of ten programs recognized, PHASE 4's mall model and campus model has gone on to recieve national recognition in the District Administration Magazine (December 2004 edition). The mission of Simon Youth Foundation(SYF) is to foster and improve educational opportunities, career development, and life skills for at-risk youth through focused programs and initiatives with our public school partners. To achieve our mission, SYF has two primary programs that it focuses its time and resources on. Education Resource Centers (ERCs) are alternative schools for at-risk youth who wish to earn their high school diploma. Many of the ERCs are built in Simon malls, with the objective of providing alternative education for at-risk youth. An ERC provides an environment where students with special needs or additional personal responsibilities, such as balancing school, work and family, can attend and receive their high school diplomas. Recognizing the importance of secondary education, SYF offers financial assistance awards to help meet the needs of graduating high school seniors in communities that host Simon malls, and ERC seniors.