There is a critical teacher shortage in Illinois - especially in hard to staff subjects and in high-need communities. The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois is a teacher preparation program for high school seniors and first- and second-year Illinois college students who have the determination and drive to be excellent teachers in Illinois schools of need.
The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program encourages academically talented Illinois students to pursue teaching careers, especially at high-need, hard-to-staff schools by providing tuition assistance (tuition, fees and room and board or commuter allowance) at one of the participating colleges.
As part of the application process, you must agree to teach, on a full-time basis, for a period of not less than five years at nonprofit Illinois public, private or parochial preschool, or an Illinois public elementary or secondary school considered a school of need. Westville School District is eligible for this program. Westville School District has employed several former Golden Apple Scholar recipients who have done outstanding work for the students in our district.
Golden Apple Scholars may receive:
- Up to $23,000 in financial assistance for college
- Paid residential scholar institutes
- Extensive classroom teaching experiences
- Academic and social emotional support
- Job placement assistance
- Mentorship from an award-winning faculty and staff
Two ways one can participate in this program is to Refer a Potential Scholar or to Apply Directly.
To refers a potential Golden Apple Scholar click the link below
Refer a student for Golden Apple Scholarship
To apply directly for the Golden Apple Scholarship click the link below
Golden Apple Scholarship Application
Westville School District strives to recruit and retain the best educational faculty and staff that can support our mission to Engage, Educate, and Empower students. The Golden Apple Scholarship program is an excellent opportunity to help accomplish that mission.