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Published on 1/23/2012 7:00:00 AM

The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation has selected University of Pittsburgh undergraduate student Christell Boyd-Abner as one of its 2012 Woodrow Wilson-Rockefeller Brothers Fund (WW-RBF) Aspiring Teachers of Color.

In addition to 24 other WW-RBF Fellows, Boyd-Abner will receive a $30,000 stipend to complete a master’s degree in education, preparation to teach in a high-need public school, support throughout a three-year teaching commitment, and guidance toward teaching certification. Each fellow was nominated by one of the program’s 48 nominating institutions and 29 graduate education programs.

“The foundation is pleased to add this impressive group of young and promising teachers to its national network of outstanding teachers and scholars,” said Bill Dandridge, program officer and director of the fund. “Their desire to serve children in the nation’s most challenging schools and communities is an important reason to be hopeful about the future of our public schools.”

Boyd-Abner is a first-generation college student and will graduate in April with a degree in psychology from Pitt. She’s also a mentor with WeDoBigThings in her hometown of Philadelphia, a non-profit whose mission is to increase the urban populace in post-secondary intuitions, as well as a member of Reaching Inside of Yourself for Excellence and Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

An event is in the works to celebrate Boyd-Abner’s award. Go to Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation to find out more about the orgnanization and its fellowships.

Comments 2/17/2012 12:56:53 PM Denise Cobb (Aunt Nicey) Christell, it's Aunt Nicey and I am so proud of both you and Cheryl. This is a great accomplishment for you and may you give Jesus all glory and honor for all things are possible thru Christ. Keep up the great work. 1/27/2012 5:16:30 PM John P. Turner Kudos for setting the standard of accolades to be expected from Philadelphians. Slowly but surely, our generation is transforming Philadelphia from being referred to as "persistently dangerous" to the title of "persistently achieving." Readers should expect more big things to come from this current and future leader embodied by Christell Boyd-Abner 1/25/2012 9:52:29 PM Anonymous You go girl! It is amazing to see young people doing great things and giving back. I wish you more success! 1/25/2012 8:04:57 PM Jonathan Fabrey As Christell's high school psychology teacher, I couldn't be prouder of my former student's success. From the bottom of my heart - Congratulations!!!!!! Your Name Title Comment New Comment Enter the code