The Simon Family Foundation is expanding the number of college scholarships it will provide to students at Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) this year. Sophomores at Garden Grove High School will now have an opportunity to become Simon Scholars and earn one of eight new scholarships being offered as part of the expansion. The program already provides eight scholarships to students at each of the participating schools, including Los Amigos and Rancho Alamitos high schools.

“We are thrilled to have been one of the only school districts in southern California selected to receive additional scholarship funds from the Simon Family Foundation due in part to our outstanding caliber of students,” said Board of Education trustee Walter Muneton. “Our district is committed to ensuring students have as many resources as possible to help them attend and achieve success in college.”

The district’s 24 Class of 2019 Simon Scholars will be announced in May. Simon Scholars receive a laptop, $16,000 in college scholarship money, SAT/ACT preparation courses, leadership training, professional development, financial literacy workshops, academic support and personal coaching throughout their high school and college careers.

Eligibility requirements include: graduating with the class of 2019, entering the program with a GPA of at least 2.5, A-G eligible to attend a university, demonstrating financial need and difficult life circumstances, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and planning to graduate from a certified Simon Scholar School. Applications for GGUSD sophomores are due February 9.

Over the last ten years, dozens of GGUSD students have benefited from the Simon Family Foundation scholarship program which empowers students to achieve their college dreams.