Gale Scholars Application

Student Application

George Washington Gale Scholars
Welcome to the online application for Gale Scholars! You can easily complete and then submit your application from most internet-compatible devices (computer, tablet, phone, etc.)!

Be sure to SAVE YOUR WORK as you progress through the application. (The option to save is at the bottom of each page).

About the Program

The George Washington Gale Scholars Program is a life-changing opportunity for motivated students in Galesburg. Established in 1996, this unique partnership between CUSD Galesburg #205, Carl Sandburg College, and Knox College provides selected students—known as Gale Scholars—with academic and social support on their journey to earning a bachelor’s degree. Gale Scholars commit to maintaining strong academic performance and active community involvement. In return, they receive full-tuition scholarships to both Carl Sandburg College and Knox College, paving the way for a bright future—without the burden of tuition costs.

The Gale Scholars Program is more than just a scholarship—it’s a transformative experience. Scholars gain valuable life skills that empower them to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. Each week, they meet with their advisor during the advocacy period for guidance and support. They also give back through community service, developing a strong sense of leadership and responsibility. Beyond academics, Gale Scholars enjoy unique opportunities for personal growth, connection, and fun, preparing them to lead with confidence.

Past Gale Scholars have gone on to achieve incredible success—as business owners, college administrators, and transformative community leaders. Their journeys demonstrate the lasting impact of the program, proving that with support, dedication, and opportunity, Gale Scholars can shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Selection Criteria

Current eighth-grade students who will be entering Galesburg High School are eligible to apply for the program. These students must also:
- Demonstrate financial need (see the application for details),
- Be first-generation college students (neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree).
- Have a record of academic success and community involvement demonstrated by:
  - Recommended attendance of at least 90%.
  - Recommended cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50 from the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.
  - Participation in extracurricular activities or community involvement.
Gale Scholars finalists will also submit two letters of reference and complete an interview with the selection committee.

Steps to Apply
1. Students should submit this online application form detailing their academics, activities, and awards by Sunday, March15, 2026. The student section of the application must be completed by the student.
2. A parent or guardian should complete the Parent Certification section of the application and provide the requested financial documentation.
3. Students and parents must agree to release a copy of the student’s transcripts to the Selection Committee.
4. Upon submission of the application, the specified Parent/Guardian e-mail will be sent a link to the Student Eligibility Verification form. The Eligibility Verification form requires submitting a copy of the front page of their parent(s) and/or guardian(s) 1040 tax return (see the eligibility form for further instructions). This form must be submitted for the application to be complete.
  
  To be income-eligible, a person's household taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount as established by the Census Bureau. The following chart shows the eligibility thresholds according to household size:
  
  Source: https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/ope/trio/federal-trio-programs-current-year-low-income-levels
5. Upon submission of the application, the provided Community Member Reference will be sent a link to complete the Gale Scholar Community Member Recommendation Form. Please verify with this person that they have received the form and ask that they complete it as soon as possible.
  
  Note: The Teacher Recommendation Form will only be sent to the teachers of students chosen as finalists.
Selection Process

Up to ten eighth-grade students are selected annually as Gale Scholars. The Selection Committee (comprised of one representative from Knox College and Carl Sandburg College and two representatives from District #205) reviews all applications and selects finalists on the basis of their academic performance, community involvement, and personal character. Applicants will submit two letters of reference. Finalists will also complete an interview with the Selection Committee. Gale Scholars are selected from the finalists.

Deadlines

Complete student applications are due Sunday, by March 15, 2026. A complete application includes this application, the Student Eligibility Verification Form, and the Community Member Reference form. The Student Eligibility Verification Form will be e-mailed to the student's parent or guardian after this form is submitted. Finalists will be announced by March 25, 2026. Letters of reference for the finalists are due by April 10, 2026. Final Interviews will be April 23 & 24, 2026. Gale Scholars will be notified of selection by April 27, 2026. The Induction Ceremony will take place in early May.

If you have any questions about this application, the application process in general, and/or our programs, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Mr. Steven Cheesman
Gale Scholars Director
309-335-6106
scheesman@galesburg205.org

Thank you for considering our program! We look forward to hearing from you!

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Student Name:*

First NameLast Name
Student Birthdate:*

MonthDayYear
Mailing Address:*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Student Cell Phone:*

Area CodePhone Number
Student School Email:*
example@example.com
Student Personal Email:*
example@example.com
Gender:*
Pronouns:*
What is your T-Shirt size?*
ELIGIBILITY
Are you a US Citizen or Permanent Resident?*

YesNo
Alien Registration Number (if a Permanent Resident):
Mark N/A if not applicable.
Income Eligible: I understand that to be income-eligible, a person's household taxable income for the preceding year must not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount as established by the Census Bureau. I understand that an eligibility verification form will be sent to my parent/guardian to determine my eligibility.*

YesNo
First-Generation Eligible: I understand that I must be a first-generation college student, neither custodial parent/guardian has holds a four-year (bachelor's) degree, to be eligible.*

YesNo
What is the highest level of education achieved by your parent(s) or legal guardian(s)? If your parents are divorced, reply only in regards to the parent who has primary custody:*
Are you a Disconnected Youth?*
*Individuals between the ages of 14 and 24 who are homeless, in foster care, involved in the juvenile justice system, or are neither employed nor enrolled in an educational institution.
Add up the total number of individuals in your household. The number should include yourself, parents, and siblings who are under the age of 24 if the parents provide more than half of their support. Also include other people if they now live with your parents and the parents provide more than half of their support. If your parents are divorced, include information for only the parent with whom you live (custodial parent) and step-parent if applicable.
What is the total number of people living in your household including yourself?*
Please select the range that includes your family's household taxable income for the most recent tax year. Taxable income is reported on line 15 of the 1040 tax form. *

CAREER INTEREST
Please list two career fields of interest:*

PERSONAL STATEMENT

This portion MUST be completed by the student applicant.
You must complete a personal statement as part of your application. This statement is your opportunity to explain to Gale Scholars why you want to be part of the program and the impact it will have on your life. This statement is also an opportunity for Gale Scholars to get to know you on a more personal level. Your personal statement will be evaluated for content, organization, creativity, and attention to detail.

Please answer the following questions in your statement:
- Why are you interested in Gale Scholars, and what makes you a good fit?
- What difference will earning a college degree make in your life?
*Helpful tip: Type your personal statement in a word document (so you can save as you write) and then copy and paste it to the box below.
Personal Statement:*

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

This portion MUST be completed by the student applicant.
Please list your membership and/or participation in school activities or clubs:*
How do you spend your time outside of school (ex. volunteerism, part-time work, youth organizations, church involvement, service organizations, family responsibilities, or hobbies)?*
Please list any special recognitions or awards you have received (Ex. Honor Roll, Attendance Award, Student of the Month, Community Awards):*

PERMISSION TO RELEASE INFORMATION
Student and parent signatures on this form thereby give the administrator(s), counselor(s), faculty or staff member(s) of Galesburg Junior Senior High School permission to release attendance, current grade transcripts and/or test scores to representatives of the Gale Scholars program of which the below signed student has applied. This release will be kept on file in the Gale Scholar office.
Student Name:*

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Name*

First NameLast Name
Student Signature:*

Clear
Parent/Guardian Signature:*

Clear
If a parent/guardian is not available at time of signature, please sign 'XX'; program staff will send this form to the parent/guardian to sign.
Date*

MonthDayYear

TEACHER RECOMMENDATION
Please enter the name, school, and class of the teacher, who has agreed to recommend you to the program, you would like to submit a recommendation for you, and we will send our recommendation form to that teacher.

*Your Teacher Recommendation must be from a teacher you have taken a class from.
Teacher Name:*

First NameLast Name
Teacher's School:*
Grade you had this teacher:*
Class Taught:*
Teacher's Email:*
example@example.com
COMMUNITY MEMBER RECOMMENDATION
Please enter the name of a community member who has agreed to recommend you to this program. This person must not be a member of your family, school teacher, or coach.
Community Member Name:*

First NameLast Name
Community Member E-mail:*
example@example.com
How long has this community member known you?*
How does this community member know you?*
PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE
Because you, the student, are applying to the program as a minor, we need to ensure we have your parental support and verify your eligibility for this program. Please enter your parent/guardian's email so we can send them the Eligibility Verification Form.
Parent/Guardian Name:*

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Phone:*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Parent/Guardian Email:*
example@example.com

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION!
Statement of Commitment
My signature below indicates, to the best of my knowledge, that the information provided on the Gale Scholar application is true, complete, and accurate. I understand that false or misleading information may result in my application not being considered and/or dismissal from the program if I am accepted.
Student Signature*

Clear
Parent/Guardian Signature*

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
When you have completed all the required fields, click on the "submit" button below.
Should be Empty:

Student Application

Selection Criteria

Steps to Apply

Selection Process

Deadlines

PERSONAL INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

CAREER INTEREST

PERSONAL STATEMENT

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

PERMISSION TO RELEASE INFORMATION

TEACHER RECOMMENDATION

COMMUNITY MEMBER RECOMMENDATION

PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION!

Statement of Commitment