Golden Apple Celebrates Over 40 Years of Advancing Teacher Excellence at 2026 Impact Award Ceremony

Nonprofit organization honors the Pepper Family Foundation's investment in expanding pathways into teaching; former Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb joins celebration as special guest

CHICAGO, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Golden Apple Foundation on Monday celebrated over 40 years of preparing, supporting and advancing excellent educators at its annual Impact Awards ceremony. The 2026 Impact Award was presented to the Pepper Family Foundation in recognition of its support to establish a new teacher preparation pathway designed to help military veterans transition to careers in the classroom.

Former Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb joined the celebration as a special guest, participating in a fireside chat about workforce readiness, emerging technologies such as AI, and the importance of equipping educators to prepare students for tomorrow's opportunities. Holcomb now co-chairs RAISE US, a national nonpartisan workforce initiative.

"For more than 40 years, Golden Apple has demonstrated that investing in great teachers delivers lasting results for students, schools and communities," said Golden Apple CEO Alicia Winckler. "We know that opening new pathways into teaching can help address the educator shortage while bringing talented, dedicated individuals into classrooms where they are needed most. The Pepper Family Foundation's investment allows us to build on that impact by helping veterans translate their leadership and service experience into successful teaching careers."

Founded in 1985, Golden Apple is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the teaching profession and improving educational opportunities for students, particularly in schools- of-need. Through its Scholars and Accelerators programs, the organization recruits, prepares, mentors, and supports educators at multiple stages of their careers.

Golden Apple's model delivers measurable results. Four out of five Golden Apple Scholars earn a teaching license within six years, compared with 61 percent nationally. Additionally, 88 percent of Golden Apple teachers remain in the classroom for more than three years, surpassing state and national averages.

Building on this track record, Golden Apple recently launched Veterans into Teaching, a new specialized pathway within the organization's proven teacher training programs that will help veterans to carry their commitment to service from the military into the classroom. Participants can access teacher preparation, licensure pathways, paid classroom residency opportunities, transition coaching, placement assistance, and ongoing mentoring.

The new pathway, which is now accepting applications, is made possible by a $250,000 grant from the Pepper Family Foundation. Established in 1987 by Richard S. and Roxelyn "Roxy" Pepper, the Pepper Family Foundation has a longstanding commitment to supporting education and strengthening communities throughout the Midwest.

"We believe investing in education is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen our communities and create opportunities for future generations," said Lisa Pepper, president of the Pepper Family Foundation. "Veterans and military families bring valuable leadership, discipline, and a commitment to service. We are proud to support Golden Apple's work to help translate those strengths into meaningful careers in education."

Golden Apple also continues to expand its work to address evolving educational and workforce needs, including career and technical education and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and learning.

"Our annual Impact Awards are a reminder of what drives our work: our vision of a great teacher in every classroom," said Golden Apple President Alan Mather. "Whether we're welcoming veterans into the profession or helping teachers prepare students for an economy shaped by new technology, we'll keep evolving so educators are ready for what comes next. We're grateful to the Pepper Family Foundation and former Gov. Holcomb for being part of that work."

About Golden Apple
Golden Apple's mission is to inspire, develop, and support teacher and school leader excellence, especially in schools-of-need. Our leading-edge preparation delivers exceptional teachers who make an impact. We help students thrive in the classroom and in life. Since our beginning, we have recognized exceptional  educators annually, and these exceptional educators help prepare the next generation of teachers. Our vision is one in which every classroom has a great teacher, and to realize this, we are committed to making a material difference in resolving the teacher shortage. Visit www.goldenapple.org for more information.