FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, December 16, 2010

Peace Corps Welcomes 26 New University Partners to its Masters International Program

The Peace Corps Masters International Program Pairs Volunteer Service with Graduate School

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 16, 2010 The Peace Corps welcomes 26 new colleges and universities to its Masters International (MI) program, a partnership that allows Peace Corps volunteers to receive graduate school credit for their service abroad.

MI is a unique opportunity for students to integrate a masters degree program with overseas Peace Corps service in a variety of fields, including teaching English as a second language, environment and natural resources, youth development and agriculture. The new MI schools include four Historically Black Colleges and Universities and four Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

The Peace Corps is thrilled to have 26 new partners of the Masters International program, said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams. These new partnerships allow our volunteers to pair higher education with Peace Corps service and meet the need for experienced, educated leaders in the 21st century.

University of Miami President and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna E. Shalala (returned Peace Corps volunteer, Iran 1962-1964) enthusiastically supported the new agreement between Peace Corps and the University of Miami, one of the newly invited institutions. As a former Peace Corps Volunteer, I am personally aware of the value of service and global understanding, Shalala said. The goals of the Peace Corps align very well with the universitys core values and with our mission to provide students with the foundations for ethical citizenship and service to others.

Peace Corps is proud to welcome the following colleges and universities to the program:

• Adelphi University


• California State University, Chico


• California State University, Fresno


• California State University, Northridge


• College of Charleston


• Eastern Michigan University


• Lincoln University


• New Mexico State University


• North Carolina Central University


• Portland State University


• South Carolina State


• State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry


• SUNY Oswego


• Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi


• Tennessee State University


• Thunderbird School of Global Management


• University of Colorado at Boulder


• University of MarylandBaltimore


• University of Miami


• University of Michigan


• University of Texas Austin


• Utah State University


• Valparaiso University


• Western Kentucky University


• West Virginia University


• Wheelock College

Established in 1987, MI provides Peace Corps volunteers with additional education and skills so students can serve overseas. The new colleges and universities will bring the number of MI schools to more than 85. Participants typically finish one year of graduate school in the U.S., followed by 27 months as Peace Corps volunteers abroad. Upon their return, MI participants complete any remaining academic degree requirements. Many MI partner schools also offer students financial benefits, such as scholarships and reduced tuition. Further information on MI is available at www.peacecorps.gov/masters.

The Peace Corps also partners with 54 universities in its Fellows/USA program, which offers financial assistance to returned Peace Corps volunteers. All Fellows complete internships in underserved American communities, allowing them to bring home, and expand upon, the skills they learned as volunteers. To learn more about the Fellows/USA program, click here.

About the Peace Corps: President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Peace Corps will commemorate 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world through 2011. 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 77 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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