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Peace Corps Master's International Program Welcomes University of Maryland-College Park

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 13, 2007 - The Peace Corps announces the University of Maryland-College Park campus as their newest partner in the Master's International program. The College Park campus in particular has been very active in producing Peace Corps Volunteers, with nearly 1,000 undergraduate and graduate alumni serving abroad as Volunteers since 1961.

Designed for Americans who want the opportunity to earn graduate degrees while serving as Peace Corps Volunteers abroad, Master's International is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

"Peace Corps has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the University of Maryland. We are now looking forward to strengthening this relationship through the Masters International program," says Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter.

The Master's International program at University of MarylandCollege Park will be housed in the College of Chemical and Life Sciences. Students in the program will earn a Master of Science degree in sustainable development and conservation biology. As Peace Corps Volunteers, they will serve in the areas of agriculture and natural resources.

"This new partnership offers a wonderful opportunity for our students to have an international experience," said University of Maryland President C. D. Mote, Jr. "It not only deepens our long-standing relationship with the Peace Corps, it reflects a commitment to many of the values the University shares with the Peace Corpsglobal involvement, service, and sustaining our environment."

Since 1987, Masters International has expanded to include partnerships at more than 50 universities throughout the U.S. These graduate programs provide opportunities for Volunteers to fill specialized assignment areas that require advanced education. For more information, please visit the Peace Corps website at www.peacecorps.gov/masters.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 46-year legacy of service at home and abroad, and a 30-year high for Volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 187,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where Volunteers have served. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

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