The Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) is an EPISD Partner in Education and exists to help at-risk students who are on the verge of dropping out of high school to stay in school. SYF sponsors the Sunland Academy located at the Sunland Park Mall. SYF believes that all youth, no matter their personal circumstances, have the abilities to go anywhere that their dreams lead them, but these abilities must be fostered by meaningful educational and professional-development opportunities.

The Simon Youth Program awards one-time and renewable scholarships to high school students in every community. This year two deserving seniors, Estively Kenneth and Luis Aguirre received two-year scholarships to attend El Paso Community College in the fall. Two-year recipients are eligible for up to $4,000 per year for up to two years. In addition, the SYF organization provides each community an opportunity to receive a SYF Enhancement Grant to enhance the educational opportunities of the students. Sunland Academy received an Enhancement Grant for the 2016-17 school year.  

Over 70 Graduating students were provided an opportunity to discover dowtown El Paso. The Graduating Seniors from The Sunland Park Academy and College Career Technology Academy stepped away from their desk on May 17, 2017 to visit the Plaza Theatre, The El Paso Art Museum, and The Southwest University Baseball Stadium, home to the El Paso Chihuahuas! During the excursion, students were informed about the history of the historical plaza theater and shown what it entails to produce a Broadway Play. Students were provided an opportunity to view the exhibitions on display at the El Paso Art museum and enjoy a Chihuahuas Baseball Game from the Woof Top Deck!The graduates were thrilled to have been afforded the opportunity, many stating that they have never visited the local venues prior to the outing. It was truly a day to remember! Thank you SYF!