Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois

Created in 1988 by the award-winning teachers of the Golden Apple Foundation, the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program recruits and prepares bright and talented high school graduates who represent a rich ethnic diversity for successful teaching careers in high need schools throughout Illinois and provides scholarships to students pursuing teaching degrees.

The Golden Apple Foundation is a not-for-profit organization based in Chicago. The foundation promotes excellence in Pre-K through 12 education through the work of excellent teachers. Golden Apple Scholars receive mentoring support from outstanding, award-winning teachers who are part of the Golden Apple network.

Eligibility

Beginning in May of their junior year and continuing through November of their senior year, any Illinois high school student who is interested in a teaching career is eligible for consideration for the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program. The Golden Apple Foundation makes and announces Golden Apple Scholar awards during the spring of each year.

A limited number of positions in the program are open to college sophomores in attendance at one of the 53 Illinois colleges and universities that partner in the program. Candidates who are college sophomores must acquire the Pathway Scholars application from the liaison of a participating university or from the Scholar Program Assistant Director of Recruitment and Placement. In addition, sophomore candidates must be enrolled in a program leading to teacher certification, pass the Basic Skills, have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA), have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, and have a total of 60 credit hours approved by the university prior to the beginning of the candidate’s junior year.

In exchange for successful completion of undergraduate college and a commitment to teach for five years in an Illinois school of need, Scholars receive financial assistance for four years to attend one of the 53 public and private universities across the state and take part in the summer programs that include teaching internships and enhanced teacher preparation.

How to Apply

To apply, students must be nominated to be a Golden Apple Scholar of Illinois by a teacher, counselor, principal, or other non-family adult. Students may also nominate themselves. Nominations for the Class of 2011 are now closed. Nominations for the Class of 2012 will open in April 2011.

For Golden Apple Scholar of Illinois applications, contact Golden Apple Foundation staff member Patricia Kilduff, Scholar Program Assistant Director of Recruitment and Placement, at 312.407.0433, extension 105.