Q: How does the process work?
A: In January, we contacted Principals of every school in Illinois that had a 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. Principals were asked to disperse nomination forms to their teachers who were asked to nominate their top students.

Q: Then what happens?
A: When we receive names from teachers, Illinois Young Scholars returns applications and a letter to the teacher for each student nominated. Students then can fill out the application. There is no charge to do so. If they would like a picture to also be included in the book, there is a $10 processing/printing fee.

Q: Are you required to put a picture in the book?
A: No, you are not required to have a picture in the book. You may simply submit your biography which is completely free. Up to 50% of the participants choose to add a picture to their biography.

Q: When will we hear from IYS if we submitted an application?
A: You should hear back from us in mid-June. We will send to you a "Proof Sheet" in which we ask you to review what we plan to print and make sure that everything is correct. At that time, you will also receive an order form should you wish to purchase merchandise. If you do not receive this, please contact our office.

Q: Do you print my child's address, phone number, or email in the book or on the Internet?
A: No, this information is provided only to us so that we may be in contact with you. Addresses, phone numbers, and emails do not appear in the book or on the Internet. Only the student's hometown and state are published.

Q: Do you sell the addresses you collect to a third party, spam lists, or other commercial entities?
A: No, Illinois Young Scholars uses this information only for its own use and does not ever sell any addresses or personal information to other organizations.

Q: How long has Illinois Young Scholars been in business?
A: Our company was founded in 1998. We began honoring students in Illinois in 2003. In 2008, we stopped honoring Illinois students as Great Lakes Scholars and gave them their own designation: Illinois Young Scholars. We honor students in 9 different states under our parent company, The Scholars Program.

Q: Why did you break Illinois away from Great Lakes Scholars and call it Illinois Young Scholars?
A: We felt that by giving students in the state of Illinois their own personal identity, they would relate more to our program. While Illinois is often considered a "Great Lakes State" since it touches one of the Great Lakes, we also realize that much of the state is far away from any Great Lakes and it would take hours to reach it. Thus, we created an identity that all students, no matter where they live in Illinois, can identify with.

Q: How many states does your company honor?
A: We honor students in nine different states: Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota, Florida, Texas and California. Since we started in 1998, we've honored over 92,000 students.

Q: When would I receive the book?
A: This is a long process! Publishing a high quality book takes time. Considering earlier deadlines, books probably won't arrive until November.

Q: What does the school get?
A: Each school receives in September a certificate recognizing their participation in the program. Many schools hang these certificates in a hallway with pride each year. Schools also receive a press release and a list of their Scholars so they can send it out to local media or use it in their Principal Newsletter or School Newsletter.

Q: How do you determine that a student is really deserving?
A: Teachers are given criteria of the type of student we believe is deserving of such recognition. We believe they are the best judge of character and believe in their integrity to nominate only deserving students.

Q: How can I contact you?
A: Email us at info@IllinoisScholars.com or call 877.457.1010.

Timeline:
January - All schools that have students in grades 3-8 in Illinois receive a packet in the mail that is addressed to their Principal. Principals are asked to pass out the Nomination Forms to their teachers.

Spring - Students who were nominated by their teachers are given an application to complete. Students return the application to Illinois Young Scholars by the appropriate deadline.

May - Participating teachers and schools are posted on the Internet.

June - A "Proof Sheet" will be mailed to students homes asking that they verify the information submitted is correct. If any changes need to be made, Proof Sheets must be returned with the changes noted. At this time, students may also order merchandise.

August - Orders that do not include a book are mailed.

August - Names of students who receive parental permission are posted on the Internet.

September - School Certificates are mailed to participating schools noting their school as a participant in Illinois Young Scholars.

November - Orders that include a book are mailed.