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Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois

Offered by Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Reviewed by Lisa FreedlandLast updated Aug 21, 2023
Multiple awards worth

$2,500 - $5,000

Grade level

College Students

Application deadline:

Varies

Scholarship Overview

The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois encourages academically talented Illinois students, especially minority students, to pursue teaching careers, especially at high-need, hard-to-staff schools by providing tuition assistance at one of the participating colleges. College underclassmen may qualify for up to $2,500, and college upperclassmen may qualify for up to $5,000. As part of the application process, applicants must agree to teach, on a full-time basis, for a period of not less than five years at nonprofit Illinois preschools, or Illinois public elementary or secondary schools considered a “School of Need.” Recipients must begin teaching not more than two years after completing their degree or certificate program, and if this commitment is not fulfilled, the award will convert to a loan requiring repayment with interest. If you’re an Illinois postsecondary student enrolled in a course of study leading to teaching licensure, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.

About Illinois Student Assistance Commission

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) was created by state lawmakers in 1957 to ensure that financial considerations did not prevent Illinois students from realizing their postsecondary educational goals. Since then, the number of students they assist and the number of programs we administer have increased steadily, as has the scope of the services provided to support those programs. At every stage of the financial aid process, ISAC is there, acting as a centralized source of information and guidance and offering a comprehensive array of programs and services. Our priority has remained constant. Today, as in 1957, that priority continues to be making postsecondary education accessible and affordable for the students and families of Illinois.

Eligibility information

Applicants must be a named "Golden Apple Scholar", be enrolled in a postsecondary course of study leading to initial teacher licensure, in addition to meeting the eligibility requirements below.

Grade Level

College Students

Minimum GPA

2.5

Academic Interest

Education

State

Illinois

Application information

To apply for this scholarship, submit the below application materials before the deadline.

Essay

Academic transcript

Letter of Recommendation

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Scholarship FAQ

Who should I contact with any questions about this scholarship?

For any questions regarding this scholarship application, please contact Illinois Student Assistance Commission at https://www.goldenapple.org/join-our-community.

Where can I find help writing my scholarship essay?

For help writing the essay component of this scholarship application, check out our guides How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay and How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples).

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