The Simon Scholars program is a unique 6-year scholarship program that begins during a student's junior year in high school and continues through 4 years 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. Simon Scholars are required to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA by the end of their junior year of high school. During high school, students receive a cash stipend, a computer, social skills training, academic support, leadership training and community service activities. Scholars are also provided with college-preparatory assistance through ACT and SAT courses, college tours and assistance in the application process from college coaches. Following the completion of high school, Simon Scholars receive a $16,000 college scholarship. Since 2003, over 600 scholarships valued at more than $20 million have been awarded by the Simon Foundation. In recent years, we have worked with more than 30 high schools in three states and in Washington, D.C. Today, there are 17 active qualified Simon Scholars high schools. In 2009, the first cohort of Simon Scholars earned bachelor's degrees from leading universities such as Harvard, Smith, UC Berkeley and UC Irvine.