Rockefeller Brothers Fund Fellowships for Aspiring Teachers of Color

Duke University is one of only 27 colleges and universities invited to participate in this program sponsored by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF). The primary goal of the program, as listed in its brochure, is to increase the number of teachers of color in K-12 public education. Through fellowships, the program intends to "call more attention to public school teaching as a fulfilling career choice on liberal arts campuses across the country; provide public schools that are most in need of excellent teachers of color with new talent; and retain teachers of color in the profession and help hem to develop into a leadership corps that will be an agent for positive change in the schools over the long term." The goals of the program are achieved through a process identifying outstanding junior students in the arts and sciences with plans to teach; the Fellowship provides funds and opportunities for fellows to prepare themselves to do so. Up to 25 fellows are chosen each year and are fully introduced to the program at a conference in August.

Students identify mentors, who also attend the summer conference, to work with them during the summer following their selection and during the senior year. Under the direction of their mentors, fellows are required to design and implement summer projects that enable them to conduct activities related to teaching. Grants of up to $2,500 are made available for the projects. The work with the mentors continues into the senior year as the fellows begin the process of applying to graduate programs, since they are expected to enter a graduate program of study in the fall following graduation. The graduate program must certify fellows to teach (if they are not already certified) or be related to the field of education. Up to $16,000 may be awarded for one- or two-year programs. Additionally, fellows may receive loan repayment funds of $1,200 yearly during the first three years of teaching. Total funds up to $22,100 may be awarded over the five-year commitment period.

The teaching experience begins upon completion of the graduate program and continues for at least three years. Once the requirements of the program have been fulfilled, fellows will continue to have a relationship with the scholarship organization through activities, conferences, and services available over the long term.

Eligibility Requirements

Full-time undergraduate students of color in the arts and sciences who are in their junior year, expect to graduate within 3 semesters, and plan to enter master's degree programs in an education-related course of study are eligible to apply.

Application and Selection

Applications for each year's competition are available in the fall in room 02 Allen Building, the office of the university's liaison to the RBF. Materials for making application include the application form, a mentor application, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and an official transcript. Materials are to be submitted to the liaison's office by the end of fall semester for review. The names of those nominated will be sent to New York by December 31.

The next stage in the process is the interview, which is by invitation only. Students selected to interview receive notification in February for the interview at RBF in New York in March. Final selection of fellows occurs shortly after the interviews are completed.

University Liaison

All inquiries about this program should be directed to:

Martina J. Bryant, University Liaison
Associate Dean of Trinity College

Office 02 Allen Building
Phone 919-684-2075

Official Rockefeller Brothers website:
Rockefeller Brothers Fund online