FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, January 31, 2003

Peace Corps Signs New Universities for Fellows/USA Program

Carnegie Mellon University and University of Denver Establish Fellows/USA Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 31, 2003—Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and the University of Denver have signed memorandums of agreement with the Peace Corps marking the beginning of their partnership with the agency’s Fellows/USA program. As one of the Peace Corps’ domestic programs, Fellows/USA has established similar relationships with more than 30 universities nationwide.

As Fellows/USA partners, universities place returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs) in internships in underserved U.S. communities. In return, Peace Corps Fellows receive reduced-cost graduate education. RPCVs are well suited to filling hard-to-staff positions or working in multilingual environments as a result of the language and professional skills they acquired while living and working in developing countries during their Peace Corps service.

The work of Fellows varies greatly throughout the country. While working toward masters’ degrees within the H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management, Carnegie Mellon Fellows will complete internships in local public or nonprofit organizations including health care and arts organizations, local government, school systems, and community development corporations.

"We are excited to offer experienced Peace Corps volunteers with exceptional graduate opportunities in public policy, arts management, health care policy, and information technology. The Heinz School\'s new partnership with the Peace Corps Fellows/USA program will be a powerful combination," said Jeffrey Hunker, dean of Carnegie Mellon’s H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management.

At the University of Denver, where National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice earned her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees, Fellows will study within the Graduate School of International Studies and complete internships with Denver-area nonprofits.

“The University of Denver is proud to partner with the Peace Corps Fellows/USA program, and to offer returning volunteers an opportunity to study international politics, human rights, and development,” said Dean of the Graduate School of International Studies Tom Farer. “We value Peace Corps experience and look forward to working with Fellows to provide them with a wide range of academic and professional opportunities as they continue to shape a changing world.”

This agreement will mark the second Fellows/USA partner university to benefit the Pittsburgh area. Since 1997 Duquesne University Fellows have worked in 23 governmental and nonprofit organizations that formulate or implement public policy on such issues as hunger, housing, employment, and the environment. For more information about Peace Corps Fellows/USA, please visit the Peace Corps Fellows web page at www.peacecorps.gov.

Since 1961, more than 168,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps, working in such diverse fields as education, health and HIV/AIDS education, 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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