| About | Home | Search |
Galesburg School District 205, Carl Sandburg College and Knox College announced today the inaugural group of George Washington Gale Scholars. The twelve eighth graders were selected for the innovative program created this year, which offers academic support through high school, followed by free college tuition. "They are all good students," said Barbara Devena, coordinator of the program at Galesburg High School. "They have excellent attendance records and a 'B+' grade point average, and they have taken part in extra-curricular programs."
The students names were announced Wednesday, May 28, in a ceremony at the Educational Technology Center, a community computer facility created by the three educational institutions.
While in high school, the students will receive academic tutoring from college students, take college-level classes, participate in activities at Knox and Carl Sandburg colleges, and volunteer for community service activities. Knox and Carl Sandburg colleges will each provide two years of free tuition for students who complete the high school component.
"The Gale Scholars Program aims to boost the students' academic achievement through their high school careers and prepare them for success at the college level," Devena said.
The twelve students were selected from among 34 nominees. Each had to submit three recommendations and had to participate in an interview with the selection committee.
Criteria that included financial need as determined by federal guidelines, and that neither parent had completed college.
As many as 15 students will be selected annually for the George Washington Gale Scholars Program. The Program, jointly sponsored by Galesburg School District 205, Carl Sandburg College and Knox College, is named after the educational pioneer who founded Galesburg and Knox College in 1837.