FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, October 22, 2002

Peace Corps Signs New Universities for Fellows/USA Program

Michigan Technological University and University of Wisconsin

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 22, 2002—The Michigan Technological University in Houghton and the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee have signed memorandums of agreement with the Peace Corps marking the beginning of their partnership with the agency’s Fellows/USA program.

Fellows/USA is one of the Peace Corps’ key domestic programs. Through the program, more than 30 universities across the United States offer reduced-cost graduate study to returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs). In return, as Peace Corps Fellows, RPCVs do internships in high-need communities in a variety of fields. RPCVs are well suited to filling hard-to-staff positions or working in multilingual environments because of the language and work-related skills they acquired while living and working in developing countries during their Peace Corps service.

The work of Fellows varies greatly throughout the country. Within communities, MTU Fellows will work with interested parties to develop policies and plans for sustaining national forests that sustain the forests, and meet people’s social and economic needs. They will deal with issues such as balancing timber harvesting and recreation against community needs or maintaining the quality and quantity of fish, game, and other wild foods which impact people’s health. For example, by returning to traditional diets of game and wild rice, which rely on forests, the incidence of diabetes among Native Americans can be reduced.

"We\'re very excited about this new Fellows/USA program at Michigan Tech,” said Glenn Mroz, dean of the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. “When returned Peace Corps volunteers join us, they bring a level of intensity, and broad perspective that\'s infectious to all they contact. Students, faculty and staff all learn from their experiences and they challenge us to do the best we can."

This agreement will mark the second Fellows/USA partner university to benefit urban Milwaukee. Already, through Marquette University, Fellows have assisted with projects that have positively affected people’s lives. For example, at a children’s welfare nonprofit, they helped to establish a government relations branch to address social policy issues. They also worked with at-risk youth who attended an alternative high school for those who have been involved with the juvenile justice system.

"The Peace Corps Fellows/USA program will bring to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and our community partners a corps of graduate students who have already demonstrated their commitment to service," said UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher.

For more information about Peace Corps Fellows/USA, please contact Marketing Coordinator Gina Wynn at 202-692-1434, write to [email protected], or visit www.peacecorps.gov/fellows.

Since 1961, more than 165,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps, working in such diverse fields as education, health and HIV/AIDS, information technology, business development, the environment, and agriculture. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.

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