Simon Youth Foundation

🎓 Graduation season is all about celebrating milestones, but for the students at the Simon Youth Academy at McKinley, it’s also about celebrating incredible courage, resilience, and the power of a fresh start.

This year, seniors Koriyah Miller and Gavan Bowen were honored at the 33rd Annual Mayor’s Turnaround Achievement Awards. From overcoming steep uphill battles to stepping into leadership roles and entering the workforce with purpose, these two seniors embody what it means to actively choose your own path.

We are immensely proud of Koriyah, Gavan, and the dedicated educators like Mrs. Deanne Wideman and Principal Idowu Ikudabo who walk alongside our students every single day. When a community comes together to lift up its youth, the weight of the world gets a little lighter.

Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026! ✨

👉 Read their full, inspiring turnaround stories here:

The Weight of the World, Lifted Together: A McKinley Seniors Turnaround Story Overlooking the Wildcat Creek at the Simon Youth Academy at McKinley, success looks a little differe...

What an incredible start to the 2026 graduation season! 🎓

Across Simon Youth Foundation’s nationwide network of school partners, students are celebrating the transformational milestone of earning their diplomas.

This week also marked the beginning of scholarship presentations for graduating seniors, with more than $275,000 in scholarships awarded to help students continue their educational and career journeys!

Join us in congratulating the Class of 2026 and the educators, partners, and supporters who helped them turn opportunity into achievement. 🧡

MSD of Lawrence Township
Shelbyville Central Schools
Wichita Public Schools
Center Grove Community School Corporation
Metro Nashville Public Schools
Gwinnett County Public Schools
Charlotte County Public Schools
Knox County Schools
Richmond Community Schools
Hope Academy
Washington Township Schools

Graduation season is underway across our partner school districts, and we’re proud to celebrate students reaching this important milestone through partnerships with schools and districts across the country. 🎓

Over the next several weeks, we’ll be highlighting student achievements, scholarships, postsecondary pathways, and the impact of alternative education nationwide.

Every student pathway deserves to be celebrated.

That's a wrap on DC! Tired feet, full hearts, and a new perspective on what's possible. Huge thanks to your donors for making this impact possible.

Civics in action! From the classroom to the Capital, our Academy partners are showing that every student deserves a seat at the table.

This is what engagement looks like. Today, our students are finding their voices and debating the issues that matter to them.

Learning without limits. Today, the world's largest museums became our classroom. Our students are proving that when you change the environment, you change the outcome.

And we're off! We are proud to provide funding for this life-changing trip for S*F students. Follow along as they take on DC!

Grateful for the partnership of Dollar General and for the support of Castleton Square.

Our team spent the morning sorting and organizing essential items that will directly benefit students across our network, helping ensure they have access to the everyday resources they need to stay on track and succeed.

📣 We're Hiring! 📣

Simon Youth Foundation is currently seeking a Director of Finance & Administration to join our leadership team.

This role will help guide the organization's financial strategy, strengthen internal systems, and support the operational foundation that allows our programs to serve students across the country.

If you or someone in your network is interested in learning more, you can view the full position description and apply at the link below:

Director, Finance - Simon Youth Foundation Job Location: Corporate Indianapolis The Director, Finance, & Administration is a member of the leadership team, strategic thought-partner, who oversees and ensures accurate and timely preparation/release of financial statements and strategy analysis reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO...