Our Work in Illinois
The Golden Apple Foundation aims to provide critical economic opportunity throughout the geographies we serve by developing a homegrown, diverse pipeline of highly effective teachers who stay in the classroom long-term, especially in schools-of-need, through our Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs.
Our Scholars program focuses on all stages of the education to career pipeline for high school and early college students: recruitment and undergraduate support, job preparation and placement assistance, and mentoring. Golden Apple has also created a seamless path for college seniors or career-changers who are seeking a role as a teacher through our Accelerators program.
Our Impact in Illinois
Academic Achievement: In Spring 2024, the average Scholar GPA was 3.7
Reflecting the Communities we Serve: Over 60% of inducted Scholars have been from underserved communities
College Graduation: 4 out of 5 Scholars graduate with college degrees and teaching licenses within six years, outpacing the national college graduation rate of 64%.
Retention in Teaching: 87% of Scholars who began teaching remain full-time teachers for three years or longer, surpassing the state average of 71%. Over 80% of Scholars who began teaching remain full-time teachers for five years or longer.
Program Reach: Over 2,000 Golden Apple-prepared educators are teaching in 87% of Illinois’ counties and in the coming years, our current and aspiring teachers will impact 93% of counties.
Nearly 300 Golden Apple Accelerators are teaching in 65 counties
9 out of 10 of Accelerators received their license.
Aspiring Teacher Programs in Illinois
Golden Apple Scholars Program in Illinois
For high school seniors through college sophomores in Illinois who aspire to make an impact in their community as a teacher.
Golden Apple Accelerators Program in Illinois
For career-changers and college seniors who aspire to obtain their teaching license in Illinois
Partner with Golden Apple in Illinois
Interested in partnering with Golden Apple in Illinois to make a difference for the next generation of teachers?
Golden Apple Awards in Illinois
Golden Apple also elevates the teaching and school leadership professions in Illinois through recognition of teachers and school leaders with the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership. Award recipients play an important role in preparing the next generation of teachers by providing instruction and mentorship to future teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs.
Our Team in Illinois
Golden Apple News in Illinois
