The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program, which prepares highly effective future teachers to succeed in Illinois schools of need, is expanding by 25 percent this year to award 250 college scholarships. Nominations for the Scholars Program now are open through January 2016. 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 may nominate themselves. Teachers and counselors also may nominate an outstanding young person who would like to become a teacher. Please visit goldenapple.org/apply to submit nominations. Golden Apple Scholars receive tuition assistance while they pursue an undergraduate education at one of 52 Illinois universities. To meet the increasing demand for additional great teachers at more than 3,800 Illinois schools of need, Golden Apple is working to further increase the annual cohort of Golden Apple Scholars to 400 scholarships by 2018.