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.
Selection
Golden 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.
Preparation
While 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 Support
All Golden Apple
Scholars receive up to a $2,500 scholarship per year for four years, paid 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 Best
Golden 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 Support
Golden 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 Support
The 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.
