University of Minnesota and Peace Corps collaborate to bring graduate training to returning volunteers

“Peace Corps Fellows will be wonderful assets in the classroom. This year is the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Peace Corps, which Humphrey championed; and the 25th anniversary of the Peace Corps Fellows program. It is wonderful that we can celebrate these milestones in this way.”

Director of Graduate Student Services Julie Harrold served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica

The University of Minnesota has joined forces with the Peace Corps to offer graduate degrees to returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) through its Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Selected students will be part of the growing Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program, a partnership between the Peace Corps and graduate schools nationwide, and will have the opportunity to earn degrees in fields as diverse as regional planning, environmental policy, and public affairs.

“The Peace Corps is delighted to have the University of Minnesota as a partner in the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program,” said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams. “This new partnership not only opens doors to an enriching graduate school opportunity at a reduced cost, it also enables returned Peace Corps volunteers to continue their work in public service through meaningful internships in underserved American communities. Experience overseas, combined with graduate studies, position a Peace Corps Fellow well for all future endeavors.” 

The University of Minnesota has a strong historical connection with the Peace Corps, both as one of the largest sources of Peace Corps Volunteers, and also as a place to which many RPCVs come to continue their education and service. The University currently places 17 on the Peace Corps ranking of large universities to produce Peace Corps Volunteers.

“We are proud that such a high percentage of our graduates go on to international service as Peace Corps Volunteers,” said E. Thomas Sullivan, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of the University of Minnesota. “Many of these Volunteers return to Minnesota, further enriching our state's diverse urban and rural communities. I am sure than many would welcome the opportunity to continue developing their skills through the Humphrey School's fine graduate degree programs.”

The Humphrey School is one of the oldest and highest ranked public affairs schools in the country. As a land-grant university in an urban setting, the University of Minnesota has continually engaged with and responded to the complex issues faced by rural and urban communities across the state. As part of their studies, Peace Corps Fellows will engage in professional, career-enhancing internships in both rural and urban underserved Minnesotan communities.

The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program (formerly known as Fellows/USA) started in 1985 at Teachers College, Columbia University, and has grown into a network of more than 60 graduate schools across the country. The program is specifically reserved for students who already have completed their tenure abroad with the Peace Corps. As a special feature of this program, Fellows at all participating universities apply the experience they gleaned as Peace Corps Volunteers to internships in underserved American communities. More details can be found at www.peacecorps.gov/fellows. 

For more information, contact: Julie Harrold, director of graduate student services.