Simon Scholars Program

South Valley Academy is one of only five high schools within the state of New Mexico that participates in the Simon Scholar Program provided by the Ronald Simon Family Foundation.  The Simon Scholars Program has a mission to help economically disadvantaged students who face difficult life circumstances advance themselves through a college education. It is an especially unique scholarship program in that it begins in the summer before a student's junior year in high school. The Simon Scholars Program offers its participants tools, mentoring and support that create successful college applicants with the ultimate goal of developing confident individuals who remain highly competitive throughout their college years and beyond.

The Simon Family Foundation has developed a hands-on college preparatory support program. Additionally the Foundation will grant a $16,000 college scholarship, offer each recipient resource aimed at whole-person development while in high school, including leadership and life-skills training, college coaching/application assistance, a notebook computer, SAT/ACT preparation courses, exposure to the arts, and a $1,000 cash stipend.  Because of the hands-on nature of the Simon Scholar Program each recipient and her or his family will develop a special relationship with the Ronald Simon Family Foundation that is long lasting.

South Valley Academy sophomores apply for the Simon Scholar Program during their Spring Semester.  This scholarship opportunity is announced through the College Transition Office, all sophomores who meet the initial eligibility requirements are urged to apply.  The Director of College Transition coordinates procedural workshops that guide all motivated applicants through the application process.