Golden Apple Scholars
Better-Prepared Teachers for Schools that Need Them the Most
| The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program recruits and prepares a diverse group of bright and talented high school graduates and college sophomores who have the promise for successful careers as excellent teachers in high-need schools throughout Illinois. Studies show that there is a shortage of qualified, enthusiastic teachers entering the profession, and a particular shortage of minority and bilingual teachers. Students need teachers who have similar backgrounds and experiences to serve as role models and give them the hope of a promising future.
Through the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois, we identify talented future educators and help them achieve their dreams of teaching. We prepare them for immediate and lasting success in some of the most challenging teaching environments. Recent studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the program. In a survey of principals with one or more Scholars teaching in their schools, more than three-quarters of respondents rated the Golden Apple Scholars as Definitely or Somewhat more effective than their tradtionally prepared peers across a wide array of teaching characteristics, including preparation, lesson planning, professionalism, and fostering a positive learning environment.
Golden Apple Scholars gain essential early exposure to the challenges and triumphs of teaching in a high-needs setting. Scholars build invaluable networks of support that continue into their teaching years. More than 1,350 Golden Apple Scholars are teaching or on their way to teaching in Chicago and throughout Illinois, and 92 percent of our Scholars have remained in the field of education beyond the five-year commitment required by the program.
SelectionGolden Apple ensures the quality of Scholars through a rigorous selection process. Prospective Scholars must submit an application with seven essays, letters of reference, test scores and transcripts, and must interview at the finalist stage.PreparationWhile attending college, Scholars receive advanced teacher preparation during four Summer Institutes that provide in total more than three times the amount of classroom experience prior to student teaching than non-Scholars receive.Financial SupportAll Golden Apple Scholars receive tuition assistance of $2,500 per year for freshmen and sophomore years and $5,000 per year for junior and senior years, paid directly to the Scholar's undergraduate institution.Scholars must attend one of 53 Illinois colleges and universities that participate in the program. Scholars chosen when they are college sophomores receive the scholarship for two years. Teaching Internships, Paid Summer Workshops, Mentoring from the Very BestGolden Apple Scholars participate in teaching internships and seminars on the art and craft of teaching through the Summer Institute, a summer program taught by Golden Apple Award-winning teachers. Scholars also receive a $2,000 stipend for each summer of Summer Institute and mentoring support from outstanding, award-winning teachers who are part of the Golden Apple Scholars network.Continuing SupportGolden Apple Award-winning teachers visit Scholars during their first year in the classroom for continued support and encouragement. The annual Center for Ongoing Renewal and Enrichment (CORE) conference provides ongoing professional development.Program Funding and SupportThe Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program is funded primarily by the State of Illinois through the Illinois Student Assistance Commision. Other private funders also provide substantial support for the program, including the W.P. & H.B. White Foundation, the Charles H. and Bertha L. Boothroyd Foundation, and the Pelino Charitable Foundation. |
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