Western Illinois University — Business Administration

http://www.peacecorpsfellows-wiu.org

Program Type:

Coverdell Fellows

Department:

Business Administration

Degrees Awarded:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Admissions Deadlines:

Applications accepted year-round for admission in the Fall semester (August).

Admissions Cycle:

Rolling

Program Start:

August

Program Founded:

March, 1994

Benefits

Year 1

• Graduate Assistantship
• 100% Tuition Waiver
• Monthly Stipend of $910

Year 2

• 11-month internship with a community and economic development emphasis
• $19,750 (Monthly stipend $1,750; moving allowance $500)
• AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,550 upon completion of internship

Other

• Community and Economic Development Training
• Workshops
• Conference Opportunities (Midwest Community Development Institute)

Graduate School

• Graduate School application
• Application for Graduate Assistantship
• Three letters of reference
• all undergraduate transcripts
• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA)
• GPA must be Cumulative: 2.75 or last 2 years 3.0

Description

In two and a half years, Fellows complete an MBA and obtain specialized training and experience in community and economic development. Upon enrollment, Fellows take three semesters of classes on campus, as well as core courses in community and economic development. Fellows gain experience working on a graduate assistantship with Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA; www.iira.org) staff on development projects on campus or in the Macomb community. They then serve a paid internship in a rural Illinois community, learning and providing hands-on leadership and assistance to local community development projects. As part of the fellowship experience, Fellows have the opportunity to serve as AmeriCorps member. The program provides strong personal and professional support within a friendly team atmosphere.

The program is coordinated by the IIRA at Western Illinois University. The IIRA is composed of 40 professional staff members that work in community visioning, economic assistance, transportation assistance, small business development, value-added agriculture, health and housing outreach, and geographic information systems. Peace Corps Fellows work closely with IIRA staff, and have full access to their expertise and resources while on campus and while serving their field internships.

Many Fellows have found job placements immediately after their internship.

Requirements

Peace Corps Fellows Program

• R?sum?
• Signed Description Of Service (DOS)
• Online WIU PCF program questionnaire
• Two page essay describing your interest and involvement in community and economic development
• Campus interview (possible reimbursement for travel expenses)

For inquiries about Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program, call 855.855.1961 x1440.