FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, July 15, 2010

Peace Corps Fellows/USA Program Partners with Clark University

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 15, 2010 The Peace Corps welcomes Clark University to its Fellows/USA program. Through the Graduate School of Management, Clark University will offer returned Peace Corps volunteers the opportunity to work toward an MBA degree in a variety of concentrations including social change. The social change track is comprised of courses in social entrepreneurship, environmental policy and community development. In addition to classroom work, the Fellows will conduct internships throughout Worcester, Massachusetts, a diverse community where more than 50 languages are spoken.

This new partnership with Clark University is a welcome addition to our Fellows/USA program, said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams. Peace Corps Fellows who participate in the Clark University program will have the opportunity to apply their talents acquired as leaders in their host communities abroad while further developing their skills to address some of today\'s most challenging issues.

Participating Fellows will receive at least a 50 percent reduction in tuition with the possibility for further merit aid.

I have a hard time imagining a better partner for Clarks Graduate School of Management than the Peace Corps, said Edward Ottensmeyer, Dean of the Graduate School of Management. This new agreement will bring a group of talented, globally-savvy former Peace Corps volunteers to a business school with an overarching focus on global issues, environmental awareness and social change.

The Fellows/USA program offers returned Peace Corps volunteers financial benefits such as scholarships, reduced tuition and university credit in advanced degree programs at 54 participating colleges and universities. In addition to their academic studies, Fellows/USA participants apply the experiences they acquired as volunteers abroad to service projects that benefit underserved American communities.

Peace Corps Fellows/USA program started in 1985 at Teachers College, Columbia University and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. To help expand Fellows/USA into new geographical regions and courses of study, Peace Corps is encouraging all accredited American graduate schools to apply by October 1, 2010 to the Peace Corps Fellows/USA program. More details can be found at www.peacecorps.gov/fellows.

The Clark University Graduate School of Management attracts a diverse student body hailing from more than 30 countries. Clark University is also one of the oldest universities to offer formal graduate programs, and is one of only three New England universities to be a founding member of the prestigious Association of American Universities.

As Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world with 7,671 volunteers serving in 77 host countries. Historically, nearly 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 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.

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