Why you should consider this program

The mission of the Milken Institute School of Public Health is to provide the best public health educational experience leading our students and graduates to be thoughtful leaders, practitioners, policy makers and scientists who will transform public health worldwide especially for the underserved and poor population. The Coverdell Fellowship program provides an opportunity for returned Peace Corps Volunteers to further their education so they may continue to serve underserved communities. This shared mission of serving the underserved and poor populations through public health will promote change in the lives of communities. The experience and passion that Coverdell Fellows possess combined with the academic knowledge and hands-on experience they will attain at GW, will help Coverdell Fellows become leaders to transform public health worldwide. This program will provide students the opportunity to be engaged in internships in underserved U.S. communities.

Benefits for Coverdell Fellows

	Tuition/fees for Complete Program	Value of Coverdell Fellowship	Net cost *
In state	$ 79,605	$ 20,000	$ 59,605
Out of state	$ 79,605	$ 20,000	$ 59,605

* Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing—see the first point below for more details.

Where the cost savings value of the Coverdell Fellowship comes from

GWSPH will provide a 25% tuition discount (approximately $20,000). In addition, Coverdell awardees will be eligible for merit-based aid (academic scholarships), first generation grants, and need-based grants.

Fellowships awarded per year (average)

4-5

Other benefits or opportunities

Students will receive advising from the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Associate Dean for Public Health Practice.

Special programming for Coverdell Fellows will occur within the School of Public Health.

Annual cost of living (estimated)

$ 29,900

Application fee waived?

No

Internship

Coverdell Fellows who matriculate at The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) will have the opportunity to tap into a robust network of university-community partnerships for their community-based internship requirement. In partnership with practice-oriented staff and faculty, fellows will meet established community partners and clients to co-plan a 120 hour service project for the fellow to implement and evaluate in partnership with the community throughout the first year of their coursework with the internship counting towards the fellows practicum requirement. Potential internships include creating a community cookbook and hosting complementary cooking classes at a local rec center using only locally sourced, SNAP-eligible ingredients; redesigning a NGO website to better meet the language and literacy needs of the populations they serve; and/or working across community partner groups to organize a client-led advocacy group for the purposes of building accountability in local government. These internships will largely be based in under-served neighborhoods within Wards 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the District of Columbia.

Jobs for program alumni

Survey Manager, The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program; Survey Manager at ICF; Social Science Research Coordinator at Stanford University, School of Medicine; Data Analyst at Pan American Health Organization (PAHO); Associate Project Manager at CRDF Global; Legislative Assistant at the U.S. House of Representatives; Operations Manager at the National Institutes of Health; Consulting at LMI; Corporate Health Educator at Atlantic Health System; Clinical Research Assistant at Massachusetts General Hospital; Special Project Analyst at California Department of Social Services; Senior Consultant at ECG Management Consultants; Medical Classification Specialist at CDC; Safety Specialist at Amazon

Other details

Program length

2 years or 1 year accelerated option is available

Application requirements

Students will submit their application through SOPHAS (common application for Schools of Public Health). All applicants to graduate programs must submit the following to SOPHAS:

● The SOPHAS online application form

● Official transcripts from all academic institutions from which you earned credit

● Official and current GRE test scores (GW Institution Code: 5268)

● Two letters of recommendation. Submit all forms directly to SOPHAS

● Personal statement (up to 1500 words) telling us your story focusing on your interest in public health, your interest in the Milken Institute School of Public Health at GW, and your preferred area of study.

● Resume or Curriculum Vitae

All documents are submitted through SOPHAS. No supporting documents are accepted at our admissions office.

Admissions process

When students apply to The Milken Institute School of Public Health, they will be able to indicate on the application that they have served in the Peace Corp. When an applicant indicates they are a Returning Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV), a prompt will appear to write an essay if they are interested in being reviewed for the Coverdell Fellowship. Students write a 500 word essay describing how their PCV experience will contribute to their long-term plans in public health and how the Fellowship will enhance their experience. A three-person committee reviews this, approximately seven students are selected. A review of proper documentation is required before being awarded the Coverdell Fellowship. The recipients will be notified about the monetary award (and other financial resources) via their financial aid award letter.

Program begins

End of August for the Fall semester, Middle of January for the Spring semester and Late May for the Summer semester

Non-traditional options

Most courses are offered in the afternoon and evenings to allow flexibility for our students. In addition, students may take up to 15 credits through online classes.

Year Coverdell Fellows partnership started

2017

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Contact

Heather Renault, Assistant Dean for Student Services