Each year the Simon Scholars Program provides selected high school juniors and seniors with the same tools and resources that students of privilege might have to help them better prepare for college and beyond.

In their junior and senior years in high school and throughout four years of college, Simon Scholars receive $30,000 in cash, goods and services, including:

• personal computer
• academic tutoring
• SAT preparation courses
• college application assistance
• college campus tours
• basic financial instruction
• leadership preparation
• life skills training
• exposure to the arts
• mentoring and internship opportunities
• and a network of friends and associates that will last a lifetime

Since 2003, the Simon Scholars Program has awarded more than 412 scholarships valued in excess of $13 million dollars.

Over 87% of our first class of Simon Scholars graduated in 2009, compared with a national average of only 10% of students from the same difficult backgrounds.

Of the students who have entered the Simon Scholars Program, 90.7% are still active today or have graduated college.

Over 30 qualified Simon Scholars high schools are located nationwide in Southern California, New Mexico and Georgia. In addition, a pilot Simon Scholars Candidate Program chapter, sponsored by America's Promise Alliance, is located in Washington, D.C.

The Simon Scholars Program has proven to be a valuable initiative in preparing students from difficult life and economic backgrounds to be fully prepared for college. The program provides a unique combination of academic support as wells as social and emotional support in order to prepare students for the academic rigor and social integration they need to be successful in college and in life.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact us at pr@simonscholars.org. If you are on deadline, you may also contact Justin Lax at 949-270-3644.