FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, August 12, 2011

Peace Corps Announces Nine New Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Partners

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 12, 2011 The Peace Corps welcomes nine new colleges and universities to the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program, a graduate fellowship that offers financial assistance to returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs) and places them in degree-related, professional internships in underserved American communities. Through the program, RPCVs receive reduced tuition, assistantships, and stipends at more than 60 colleges and universities nationwide.

The Peace Corps is proud to expand the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program with these outstanding colleges and universities and provide more graduate opportunities for returned volunteers, said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams (Dominican Republic, 1967-1970). This unique program not only opens doors to an enriching graduate school experience, it also enables returned Peace Corps volunteers to continue their work in public service.

Peace Corps welcomes the following colleges and universities to the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program:

• Antioch University New England, Keene, N.H.


• Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y.


• Brandeis University, Waltham, Mass.


• Emory University, Atlanta, Ga.


• St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minn.


• University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska


• University of La Verne, Ontario, Calif.


• University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.


• Villanova University, Villanova, Penn.

Volunteers who have completed their 27-month commitment with the Peace Corps have lifetime eligibility in the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program. Since its start in 1985, nearly 4,000 returned Peace Corps volunteers have completed the program.

The Peace Corps also partners with more than 80 colleges and universities in the Peace Corps Masters International program, which allows Peace Corps volunteers to receive academic credit for their service overseas.

About the Peace Corps: President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Throughout 2011, Peace Corps is commemorating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Today, 8,655 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.

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