The Charles F. Donovan Urban Teaching Scholars program is an intensive one-year Masters in Education, M.Ed., program leading to teacher licensure, that seeks to prepare K-12 teachers to work effectively with students and families in urban schools throughout the country. The Donovan Urban Teaching Scholars Program builds on specific programs of study with interactive urban education seminars, critical inquiry research, social justice education, and community building that is responsive to the academic and socio-cultural needs of urban youth and their families.

Each year the program recruits nationally for a diverse cohort of up to 30 graduate students, many of whom were educated in urban schools themselves, and aspire to give back to their communities in constructive and life long ways. For the majority of applicants, the Donovan program is their initial step into urban teaching. Some have prior teaching experience, or hold a license in elementary or secondary education and want to add a license in new subject areas. Other students are in the process of career change, but all are dedicated to preparing themselves to work as teachers in urban schools. Donovan Urban Scholars may select from the following programs: Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Moderate Special Needs.