Illinois Wesleyan Sophomore Receives Golden Apple Scholarship

April 30, 2003

Illinois Wesleyan sophomore English literature major Laura Minerva of Des Plaines, Ill., was selected to receive a Golden Apple Pathway Scholarship. Minerva was inducted recently at a ceremony for all Golden Apple Scholarship winners held at the Field Museum in Chicago.

Created in 1988 by the award-winning teachers of the Golden Apple Foundation, The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program recruits talented high school graduates, and a limited number of college sophomores through the supplemental Pathway Program, who represent a rich ethnic diversity for successful teaching careers in high-need schools throughout Illinois. The Golden Apple foundation defines a school of need as either designated with Chapter I Status by the U.S. Department of Education or having scores on state PSAE below 160 or ISAT tests below 165.

All Golden Apple Scholars must attend one of 48 Illinois colleges and universities that participate in the program. The scholars also receive a $5,000 scholarship loan per year for four years, to the student’s undergraduate institution. Students chosen through the Pathway Program receive the scholarship loan for two years. Golden Apple Scholars also have the opportunity to participate in summer teaching internships and seminars on the art and craft of teaching through the program’s Summer Institute.

Award winners are obligated to earn a bachelor’s degree at one of the 48 participating Illinois colleges and universities, obtain Illinois teacher certification, teach for five years in an Illinois school of need after graduation, meet GPA requirements and participate in Summer Institute programs.

Minerva joins three other Golden Apple Scholars at Illinois Wesleyan who include: first-year music education major Matt Granger of Park Ridge, Ill., senior educational studies major Carrie VonHuben of Orland Park, Ill., and senior educational studies major Catherine Wachtel of Geneseo, Ill.