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Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program
Information for universities and colleges
Recruit a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, a unique type of graduate student who will add value on your campus and in the community.
Become a partner university
The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program is a graduate school program for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV). Through this program, schools across the country offer financial support to RPCVs who, in turn, complete substantive internships related to their program of study in underserved communities in the United States.
There are no limits on the number or kinds of degrees or certifications that can be offered through the Coverdell Fellows program.
Why partner with the Coverdell Fellows program?
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers are a unique type of graduate student who will add value on your campus and in the community.
On campus: RPCVs bring with them a wealth of international experience in a variety of fields. In the classroom, Peace Corps fellows are motivated, ready to learn, and eager to expand upon their Peace Corps experiences. Peace Corps fellows also help create a community of those interested in the mission of the Peace Corps, often organizing campus-wide volunteer events and promoting international understanding.
In the community: RPCVs are experienced in intercultural exchange, developing and managing projects, overcoming language barriers, and capitalizing on limited resources. These skills and experiences are transferable to the underserved communities where Peace Corps fellows complete their internships.
University partners also enjoy the benefit of having their Coverdell Fellows program placed on the Peace Corps website frequented by prospective, current, and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
How colleges and universities apply
If your department or institution is interested in learning more about the program and future proposal cycles, please contact the Peace Corps at [email protected] or (202) 692-1643.
During open proposal cycles, new partners are added through a competitive proposal submission process. To prepare for future cycles, explore the following:
Gather faculty and administrators interested in bringing the skills and experience of RPCVs to campus and discuss how the program would be supported on campus.
This individual develops a framework for a Coverdell Fellows program partnership and will be instrumental in the proposal process. Having someone committed to shepherding the program from inception to establishment and maintenance is critical to a program’s long-term success.
There are two key pillars of the Coverdell Fellows Program:
- Financial support for the Fellow equal to at least 25% of the program’s tuition and mandatory fees.
- An internship related to the program of study in an underserved community in the United States.
Each Coverdell Fellow is required to participate in a meaningful internship related to their program of study. A critical element is identifying an impoverished and/or socially disadvantaged community or organization in the United States that would benefit from hosting a fellow.
These graduate schools have programs to support RPCVs on the next leg of their unique service journey.
Get more information on the RPCV graduate school financial assistance program or hosting a partner event.
