FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, November 20, 2008

Peace Corps Master's International Partners with University of Illinois, Chicago

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 20, 2008 - The Peace Corps recently welcomed the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC) as its newest Master\'s International (MI) partner school.

UIC\'s program, offered through both the School of Public Health and the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, will grant candidates a Master\'s of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Urban Planning and Policy (MUPP) degree, all in tandem with a 27-month Peace Corps assignment. UIC joins more than 59 other institutions in offering the Master\'s International option to potential Peace Corps Volunteers.

Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter said, "I am enthusiastic about our new partnership with the University of Illinois, Chicago. With this partnership, the Peace Corps will have an opportunity to further develop skills of Volunteers in the areas of public health, urban planning, and public policy. I am confident that UIC will be a strong Master\'s International partner."

Michael A. Pagano, dean of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, welcomed the partnership by saying, "The Peace Corps Masters International program partnership is an outstanding opportunity for our students to capitalize on traditional Peace Corps experiences, including cultural, technical, and international relations training, and to incorporate those experiences directly into their curriculum. Our students bring their classroom instruction and topical studies to support the Peace Corps objectives, all of which result in enhancing the human condition."

Paul Brandt-Rauf, Dean of UIC\'s School of Public Health, added, "Preparing students to work in global environments and become successful contributors to global health solutions is a high priority at the UIC School of Public Health. The Peace Corps Master\'s International Program provides the perfect opportunity for our students to accomplish this by applying their skills to promote healthy populations and improve the quality of life in countries in need around the world."

Candidates who have been accepted to both UIC and the Peace Corps will be eligible for the program which in addition to class work toward the degree will include a Peace Corps assignment overseas. After successful completion of the Peace Corps assignment, students will return to the campus to finish out their degree requirements.

For more information about Master\'s International, please visit the Peace Corps Web site at www.peacecorps.gov/masters.

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, over 195,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served. Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased 16 percent this past year, the largest boost in the last 5 years. Currently, 7,876 Peace Corps Volunteers are serving in 76 countries. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit our website: www.peacecorps.gov.

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