The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois is a scholarship program that identifies talented high school seniors, as well as first and second-year college students who have the promise and drive to be excellent teachers in high-need schools. We prepare them for immediate and lasting success in the most challenging teaching environments.

We are more than a scholarship program that only awards funding. We provide four years of residential summer institutes, which give scholars on-site classroom experience, as well as mentoring from a Golden Apple teacher.

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.

Golden Apple Scholars have diverse backgrounds.  They gain essential exposure to the challenges and triumphs of high-needs classroom settings that is unrivaled by any other teacher preparation program.  Through the program, Scholars build invaluable networks of support that guide them throughout their teaching years.