Q: How does the process work?
A: In March, we mailed letters to the Principals of every school in California 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, California Young Scholars returns applications and a letter to the teacher for each student nominated. Students then can fill out an 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 CYS if we submitted an application?
A: You should hear back from us in mid-July. 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 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, California 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 California Young Scholars been in business?
A: While 2008 marks the debut of California Young Scholars, we’ve been honoring students in other parts of the nation since 1998. The Scholars Program honors students in nine different states: Michigan (since 1998), Ohio (2003), Indiana (2003), Illinois (2003), Wisconsin (2003), Minnesota (2003), Florida (2005), Texas (2006) and California (2008). We have won rave reviews from teachers, principals, students, and parents since our founding and have honored over 70,000 students in that span.

Q: How many states does your company honor?
A: We honor students in nine different states: Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota, Florida, Texas and California.

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: In September, each school receives 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@CaliforniaYoungScholars.com or call toll free 877.682.7947