FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, October 19, 2007

Peace Corps Announces Crisis Corps International Scholars Program at Tulane University

NEW ORLEANS, La., October 19, 2007 - Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter makes his first visit to New Orleans today to celebrate a new partnership between Peace Corps and Tulane University called the Crisis Corps International Scholars Program. The Crisis Corps International Scholars Program is Crisis Corps\' first agreement with a university program.

This partnership will allow former Peace Corps Volunteers enrolled in a Master\'s in Social Work and Public Health dual degree program the opportunity to use their academic expertise through a Crisis Corps assignment overseas. Students will receive credit for their service while providing invaluable assistance to communities in need. The partnership is expected to serve as a pilot for the development of future graduate program partnerships.

Director Tschetter said, "This is an exciting development for the Peace Corps since it is our very first Crisis Corps partnership with a graduate institution. We look forward to strengthening our ongoing partnership with Tulane through this new graduate program."

Established by the Peace Corps in 1996, Crisis Corps has allowed over 1,000 returned Peace Corps Volunteers to use their skills and experience by working on short-term projects that address ongoing community needs. The Peace Corps has sent Crisis Corps Volunteers to serve in more than 40 different countries, including the 272 Crisis Corps Volunteers who served along the Gulf coast following Hurricane Katrina. Please visit the Crisis Corps Web Site to learn more.

Director Tschetter will also recognize Peace Corps\' ongoing partnership with the university through the Tulane Master\'s International Program, housed at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Master\'s International programs allow students to combine their academic coursework with practical field experience through Peace Corps service.

The Tulane program is one of the oldest and largest of the 55 Master\'s International programs Peace Corps has with universities throughout the country. Currently, there are 22 Tulane students serving in the Peace Corps under the Master\'s International program, and another 19 are enrolled in Tulane\'s MI program and are on campus awaiting service overseas. Please visit the Master\'s International Web Site to learn more.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 46-year legacy of service at home and abroad. Since 1961, more than 190,000 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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