Simon Scholars is a unique scholarship program that begins at the end of a student’s sophomore year in high school and continues through the completion of college. It is designed to help students facing difficult life and economic circumstances to excel academically and socially so they can successfully complete a 4-year college degree and enter the workforce as professionals. Simon Scholars are required to maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA by the end of their junior year of high school. During high school, students receive a laptop computer, networking skills and etiquette training, academic support, leadership training and community service opportunities. Scholars are also provided with an intensive college preparatory program, which includes ACT and SAT courses, college tours and assistance in the college application process. Following the completion of high school, Simon Scholars receive a $16,000 college scholarship. At this time, the Program selects more than 190 new Simon Scholars each academic year. Currently, over 300 Scholars participate in the High School Program, and over 450 in the College Program. Simon Scholars attend prestigious colleges throughout the country. To date, the Foundation has supported over 1,500 deserving Scholars and has provided over $60 million in financial aid and program support.