MICHIGAN (WZMQ) – A scholarship opportunity is helping prospective teachers prepare to work in the schools that need them most.
Originating in Illinois in the late 1980s, the Golden Apple Scholars Program launched in Michigan at the beginning of 2024.
“We recruit, support, and retain aspiring educators,” said Caycee Sledge, Chief Program Officer for the Golden Apple Foundation. “You can enter as a high school senior or a freshman or a sophomore in college. You need to be a Michigan resident, and you can go to any higher ed institution across the state of Michigan, and then you’re committing to teach in Michigan at a school of need for five years after you graduate.”
In a school of need, 30% of students qualify for free or reduced lunches. As the entire state continues to experience teacher shortages, schools of need often suffer the most.
“It was reported for the 2022 – 2023 school year that we had about 1,800 teacher vacancies, and that may even be under-reported,” Sledge said. “We need that pipeline to continue so that we have well-prepared, excited educators in front of our Michigander kids.”
The Golden Apple Scholars Program prepares students to fill those vacancies by supporting them on each step of their journey.
“Throughout their undergrad, we provide social-emotional support and we make sure they stay on track,” said Sledge. “We do professional development, community building. We do mock interviews, help with resume writing, and help them find a district and a school where they want to teach. In those first couple years of teaching, we provide them with a [non-evaluative] mentor. When they’ve completed their five years, we do a beautiful Crystal Apple Ceremony where we celebrate that commitment and hope that they stay in the classroom for years to come after that.”
Six of Michigan’s inaugural 35 Golden Apple Scholars were from the Upper Peninsula. Sledge hopes to see that number grow with the program.
“We’re looking for an applicant that is excited—you can feel that passion for the field of education,” she said. “We’re looking for scholars who have a growth mindset. We’re looking for success in high school, success in college, and that they are really passionate about being that next generation of educators. We’re really excited for that next cohort to be bigger and continue this great work here in Michigan.”
The final deadline to apply for the Golden Apple Scholars Program is April 1, but students are encouraged to apply by the December 1 priority deadline. To apply or to learn more, visit goldenapple.org.
