Gale Scholars Program is Accepting Applications

The George Washington Gale Scholars Program is now accepting applications from eligible eighth grade students for the class of 2012. Applications have been mailed to 8th grade students enrolled in Galesburg District 205, and are due on Friday, March 7.

More information is available from Les Hunter, Gale Scholars program director, at (309) 335-3950.

Founded in 1996, the George Washington Gale Scholars Program is a joint program of Galesburg School District 205, Carl Sandburg College, and Knox College. The program is designed to assist high ability students, whose parents did not attend college, to improve academic skills and complete a four-year degree. Named after the founder of Galesburg and Knox College, the George Washington Gale Scholars Program will provide guidance, support, and financial assistance to student participants.

Up to fifteen eighth grade students will be selected annually to the program through an application and interview process. Gale Scholars will receive free tuition to Carl Sandburg College and to Knox College upon completion of certain requirements throughout their Galesburg High School years.

Current eighth grade students who will be entering Galesburg High School will be considered for the program. Criteria include financial need as determined by federal guidelines, neither parent holds a baccalaureate degree, a recommended minimum attendance record of 90 percent and minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade years.

Founded in 1837, Knox is a national liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, with students from 45 states and 44 nations. Knox's 'Old Main' is a National Historic Landmark and the only building remaining from the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates.