WASHINGTON – Jalil Muhammad, a history senior, has been named a 2011 Woodrow Wilson-Rockefeller Brothers Fund Fellow.

The prestigious fellowship prepares students to teach in high-need public schools. Recipients are nominated by one of the program’s 25 sponsoring university partners. As a fellow, Muhammad will receive a $30,000 stipend to complete a master’s degree in education. Fellows are required to make a three-year teaching commitment.

Muhammad plans to become certified teacher in social studies and history. A native of Rahway, N.J., Muhammad said his ultimate goal is to form his own school. He credits his education at Howard for inspiring him to become a teacher. Muhammad said he decided to apply after learning of the program’s mission.

“Howard’s goal and mission are very similar to that of the Woodrow Wilson-Rockefeller Brothers Fund Fellowship,” Muhammad said. “Both seek to nurture individuals who are interested, focused and zealous about returning to their community.”

In 1992, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund started the fellowship for aspiring teachers of color. More than 350

fellows have completed the program, and nearly $8 million in grants and financial aid have been awarded.

Muhammad has studied in Egypt and is a member of Howard University History Honor Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. He has tutored at the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science and at the Oak Hill Youth Detention Center. He is currently an active member of Rahway Local Organizing Committee Executive Board.