Thee Golden Apple Scholars Program is a comprehensive program to enhance teacher preparation and induction in New Mexico. 

Goals for the Golden Apple Scholars Program are to:

• Equip new teachers with skills and knowledge essential for quality teaching and for successful advancement to Level II licensure;
• Prepare teachers to be effective in working with struggling students in low-performing schools;
• Increase retention of Golden Apple Scholars as teachers in New Mexico schools – goal of 95% retention after 3 years teaching;
• Improve academic achievement for students in summer programs taught by Golden Apple Scholars and in the classrooms of Teaching Scholars.

In 2008, the Program will include the following:

• Summer teaching experience combined with seminars for 64 high school graduates – Golden Apple Pathway 08 Scholars – with instruction and mentorship from Golden Apple Fellows;
• A second summer teaching experience and seminar series for returning Golden Apple Pathway 07 Scholars, who will be entering their college sophomore year in the fall;
• Mentoring by Golden Apple Fellows as well as membership in an ongoing professional learning community of Golden Apple Fellows for Teaching Scholars, those who graduated from the 2006 and 2007 Gateway to Teaching Summer Institutes.

Participants in the Golden Apple Pathway Program will be recruited from all high schools within New Mexico.  The summer program will be held in Albuquerque in partnership with Albuquerque Public Schools and City of Albuquerque Community Centers.