DePaul University

About this program

The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program partnership between Peace Corps and DePaul University provides expanded educational and service opportunities to communities in the United States interested in making a difference abroad and at home. The Coverdell Fellows program offers graduate scholarships and degree-related internships in under-served communities to returned Peace Corps volunteers in the United States.

Fellows are eligible to enroll in one of five degree programs in the School of Public Service: Public Service Management, International Public Service, Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, or Public Administration.

Fellows receive a $4,548 annual (per academic year) scholarship and internships in underserved communities, allowing returned volunteers to bring the skills they acquired during service back home to make an impact in the United States.  Students gain valuable experience and networking connections at nonprofits and governmental organizations.

DePaul, a Catholic, Vincentian, and urban university, takes its name from St. Vincent DePaul. The religious community founded by St. Vincent, commonly known as “Vincentians,” established the university and endowed it with a distinctive spirit; to foster in higher education a deep respect for the God-given dignity of all persons, especially the materially, culturally, and spiritually deprived, and to instill in educated persons a dedication to the service of others.  

• Year partnership began: 2013
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 2

Application requirements

College transcripts, statement of intent, CV

Admissions process

Once an RPCV student is admitted to a graduate program at the School of Public Service, the student then applies for the Coverdell Fellows program. If admitted into the Fellows program, the application fee is reimbursed as a credit to the student's account.

Degrees awarded

Master of Science in International Public Service, Master of Nonprofit Management, Master of Science in Public Service Management, Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Policy

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $15,000

Cost savings details

25% tuition waiver

Internship

Fellows will be placed in an internship with the Vincent on Leadership: The Hay Project located in the School of Public Service. Fellows will be researching, planning, marketing and implementing leadership training workshops for select nonprofit venues in Chicago. The intern will have the opportunity to work both independently and as a member of a team, while gaining hands-on experience in planning, marketing and delivering leadership development opportunities.

Other opportunities

During the second year, Fellows continue to receive the tuition waiver of $4,550 with no internship requirement, once they have met the internship requirement in the first year.

Jobs for alumni

• Employment Specialist
  
• CWS - RSC Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
  
• RefugeeOne, Greater Chicago Area
  

Nontraditional options

Low-residency/distance learning, Online degree program

100% of classes are offered in the evenings. Classes meet once a week over ten weeks in each quarter (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer). 50% of classes are also available in online format.