About Simon Scholars
The Simon Scholars Program is unique and highly successful. It offers much more than tuition for college. It reaches into the lives of promising high school students most in need of support and equips them to succeed, inside the classroom and out, in college and beyond.
- Simon Scholars begin the program as they enter their junior year in high school and participate in life skills training, academic preparation and team building activities with their Simon Scholar peers during their last two years in high school
- Simon Scholars then enter college with such enhanced self-confidence and self esteem making it highly likely to receive at least a bachelor's degree
Regardless of their background, when children have enough of the resources that we call the Five Promises in their lives, the odds of success swing greatly in their favor. Improving education is essential to ending the dropout crisis. But it’s not enough. Nor will financial aid alone ensure that students stay in school and earn a college degree. Time and again, studies tell us that what happens outside the classroom—in communities and families —has as much impact on success as what students gain in school.
That’s why the Simon Scholars program combines financial support with academic, social and emotional support through mentoring, tutoring, counseling, service, skill-building and more.
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.
A Proven, Scalable Solution
During its relatively brief history, the Simon Scholars program already has compiled a strong track record of success. The first class of Simon Scholars has not only completed college; they achieved a graduation rate much higher than that of the college student population overall and seven times higher than the graduation rate for minority students.
Now, as part of Grad Nation, we are working to expand the Simon Scholars Program nationwide. The initiative exemplifies what Grad Nation is all about. It directly addresses the barriers to completing high school and college that prove formidable for so many disadvantaged 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.
Guiding Principles of the Simon Scholars program
- 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
- Opportunity denied is tragic, opportunity wasted is inexcusable
Simon Scholars Frequently Asked Questions
“Despite everything I have been through, despite the pain and sacrifices, I have learned to never give up. You cannot let your past define your future. The Simon scholars program is enabling me to achieve my dreams.” -- Cindy Valverde, University of California at San Diego, Class of 2010