When 10th-grade students become Simon Scholars, it’s a significant moment in their lives. Over the next seven years, this community supports scholars as they work toward their goals and celebrates their many accomplishments through high school and college.
When scholars graduate college and launch their careers, it’s not the end of their story with Simon Scholars. It’s the start of their next chapter as Simon Scholars alumni.
Alumni are an essential part of both the program’s history and future. Andy Robles, Executive Director of Simon Scholars, is testament to that.
“I started with Simon Scholars over a decade ago. Even when I stepped away, I never really left. That’s the kind of community this is,” Robles said. “And now, we want alumni to experience that connection too.”
All former scholars who have graduated college are invited to join the Simon Scholars Alumni Association. This community offers programs, events, and resources to keep alumni connected and provide continued support for their career goals.
Lea Segura, Director of Alumni Relations, explained, “We want alumni to see this as their space—a place to grow, reconnect, and give back in ways that are meaningful to them. Their journey continues, and we’re here to support every step.”
A Lifelong Community
The Simon Scholars Alumni Association empowers alumni to support the next generation of scholars, their fellow alumni, and program staff alike.
Scholars benefit from the valuable advice and mentorship they receive from alumni throughout high school and college. So much so that many continue the tradition when they become alumni themselves.
For Micki Smith, a Class of 2011 alumna who serves on the Alumni Advisory Board, “It brings me immeasurable joy to give back to the program that gave so much to me.” And the Volunteer Program makes it easy to get involved—from helping program staff behind the scenes to leading group activities for scholars.
As alumni settle into their careers, they also look to connect with fellow alumni. Their similar backgrounds as first-generation college graduates and their shared experiences as Simon Scholars create a deep understanding and bond like no other.
“The Simon Scholars journey doesn’t stop after college—it evolves,” Segura said. “Our Alumni Association is here to remind scholars that they will always have a place, a network, and people who believe in them.”
In the Simon Scholars Alumni Group on LinkedIn, alumni across the country connect and support each other. The group also shares exclusive job postings and opportunities for career advancement through Simon Scholars’ vast network of alumni and community partnerships.
This network is exactly what alumnus Hector Bustos was looking for. “The Simon Scholars program continues to support me now as an alum in many different ways. The greatest way… is through connections and engagement with other alumni,” he said.
Career Growth and Professional Development
Last year, Simon Scholars took alumni networking and career support to the next level with the new First-Gen Futures Summit. The two-day annual conference—designed by alumni, for alumni—supports first-generation professionals as they pursue their career goals.
The inaugural summit kicked off with a keynote address from Dr. Milo Dodson, who encouraged alumni with a message on healing, growth, and self-worth. Later during a panel discussion, fellow first-generation professionals inspired alumni as they shared their own experiences and career insights.
These events resonated with Class of 2020 alumnus Luigi Palumbo. “Sometimes it can be very lonely,” he said. “But here, we can share what we’ve been through and realize we’re not the only ones going through these anxieties and fears.”
As the summit continued, alumni refined their networking skills and elevator pitches in engaging workshops. And in informative seminars, participants explored how to make career transitions and plan for their financial future.
Reuniting with her fellow Simon Scholars gave Fridha Torres, a Class of 2018 alumna, the boost she needed. “Being in a professional work setting now, everything really seems quite daunting,” she said. “But coming back [to Simon Scholars]… reminded me that I did something super hard when I was younger, and I can totally do that again. There are so many people around me who are going to believe in me and provide that support that I need.”
This Fall, the First-Gen Futures Summit will offer even more networking and professional development opportunities for alumni. Activities around this year’s theme, “Building a Career with Purpose,” will help alumni:
- Find clarity in their career
- Hone their leadership skills
- Learn how to network with purpose
- Seek mentors who support their career goals
Start Your Next Chapter
If you’re a scholar who has graduated college or is approaching your college graduation, join the Simon Scholars Alumni Association today!
It’s the best way to keep in touch with the Simon Scholars Community and get connected with exclusive professional development and volunteer opportunities. Plus, when registration opens for the First-Gen Futures Summit, you’ll be the first to know!
Questions? Contact Lea Segura, Director of Alumni Relations, at lsegura@simonscholars.org.
