The Woodrow Wilson-Rockefeller Brothers Fund
Fellowships for Aspiring Teachers of Color
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ will be updated periodically. Please check back for new information.
Q: What commitment has the RBF made to the transfer of the program?
A: The Rockefeller Brothers Fund has made a $5 million commitment to the Fellowship program. This includes funding the Fellows classes of 2010, 2011, and 2012, other program and administrative expenses, and current fellowship obligations. The Woodrow Wilson Foundation has made a commitment to seek funding to extend the program beyond 2012.
Q: I am an RBF Fellow and there is still a balance on my fellowship. What happens to that?
A: With the transfer of the program to Woodrow Wilson, all outstanding fellowship commitments were transferred to the Woodrow Wilson Foundation as of December 31, 2008. Fellows with a balance on their award will receive a letter from the RBF confirming the transfer of their fellowship award obligation from the RBF to the Foundation in early 2009. If you are a current RBF Fellow and have a question regarding your fellowship balance, please contact Debbie Lynch for more information.
Q: I am a current RBF Fellow and have questions not related to fellowship balance. Who do I contact?
A: Please contact Debbie Lynch with any other questions you might have about your fellowship.
Q: Is there still a listserv to support current RBF Fellows?
A: Yes. The listserv continues to operate through the Topica portal. You may access the listserv through the same email address and password as before the transition. Feel free to continue to use this as a resource to ask questions and obtain program updates. Please note that the listserv may move to a different portal as we move forward. If you wish to remain involved in this resource, be sure that you are registered through the current listserv to ensure that you will receive notification should the portal change.
Q: Will there be changes to the Fellows program?
A: Yes. The Fellowship stipend will increase to $30,000 beginning with the 2010 cohort and recruitment will focus on potential candidates in their senior year of undergraduate preparation at one of the nominating colleges and universities.
Q: Will there be a class of 2009?
A: A 2009 cohort was selected through the Rockefeller Brothers Fund in 2008. The first cohort of Fellows under the new name—Woodrow Wilson-Rockefeller Brothers Fund Fellowships for Aspiring Teachers of Color—will be selected in the 2009-2010 academic year.
Q: How many Fellows will be selected each year?
A: Beginning with the 2010 cohort, 25 Fellows will be selected each year.
Q: How can I stay involved as an alumnus of the program?
A: Alumni Fellows can stay involved in the program through mentoring current Fellows, participating in events, or other activities as the program continues to develop. Please contact Debbie Lynch if you would like to volunteer your services.
This FAQ will be updated periodically. Please check back for new information.