Q: How does the process work?
A: In January, we contacted the Principals of schools in Florida 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,
Florida's 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 Florida's Young Scholars if we submitted an application?
A: You should hear back from us by 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,
Florida's 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 Florida's Young Scholars been in business?
A: 2011 is the eighth year that we've been honoring the Best and Brightest 3rd-8th graders in Florida through Florida's Young Scholars. Hundreds of teachers nominate thousands of students from all over the state. Florida's Young Scholars is part of The Scholars Program, which began in 1998 by honoring students in Michigan. Over the years, it has expanded to honor students in 24 states. The idea of honoring students and showing that community service, hard work and good grades do matter, along with our honest nature, quickly caught on and numerous teachers and administrators look forward each year to participating again.

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 teacher receives a certificate recognizing their participation (and their school's participation) in the program. They also receive a list of names of their students who were honored and a press release that they can use to send to local media or use in the School or Principal 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@FloridasYoungScholars.com or call us toll free at 1.877.457.1010.