HGSE's Urban Scholars Committed to Improving Urban Schools

The Urban Scholars Program, which offers its recipients tuition-free enrollment in their selected master's programs, was started in part due to Dean Kathleen McCartney's vision of creating a prestigious fellowship for educators in urban school systems.

Now in its fourth year, the Urban Scholars Program has attracted dozens of candidates with superb academic records and a deep commitment to working in urban school systems. "This year's cohort comprises 14 experienced educators from urban districts including Washington D.C., New York City, and Oakland, Calif., and who possess research interests such as urban immigrant communities and adolescent development in urban environments," says Jennifer Petrallia, assistant dean for master's studies.

In addition to completing the standard master's curriculum, Urban Scholars participate in a dynamic interdisciplinary co-curriculum designed to facilitate the development of a life-long network of professional colleagues who share a common passion for improving urban schools. The co-curriculum includes sessions with leading researchers and practitioners in urban education.

Here the 2009-2010 Urban Scholars share their thoughts on being selected for the program, attending HGSE, and urban education today.

2009-2010 Urban Scholars (clockwise from top left): Stephanie Aberger, Michael Holt, Brent Reckman, Catherine Graham, Shimrit Paley, Allison Hertz, Ann Mantil, Masha Wasilewsky, Brendan Dotson, Joseph McIntyre, Jane Myers. (Not pictured: Melissa Diana Aguirre, Ami Gada, Eric Rafael Gonzalez.)