Feb. 21, 2013
Peace Corps and The Catholic University of America announce a new Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program partnership, an initiative that provides graduate school scholarships to returned Peace Corps volunteers. Selected fellows will have an opportunity to earn a master’s degree from the Integral Economic Development Management Program . Catholic University will also offer two scholarships that will cover 50 percent of total tuition costs for the most qualified Coverdell Fellows."The Peace Corps is delighted to have The Catholic University of America as a partner in the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program," said acting Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet. "This new partnership enables returned Peace Corps volunteers to continue their work in public service through meaningful internships in underserved American communities. Experience overseas and graduate studies position Peace Corps Fellows to launch a career by combining coursework with service." "The Catholic University of America is proud to accept the invitation to join the Coverdell Fellows program, confident that this partnership can help strengthen integral economic development," said James F. Brennan, University provost. "Coverdell Fellows will emerge from our program trained in advanced features of applied management and with a thorough economic skill set strongly suited to address today's challenges in evaluating the impact and effectiveness of development programs."Internships in underserved communities will be an integral part of each recipient's degree, allowing returned Peace Corps volunteers to bring the skills they acquired during service back home to make an impact in the United States. In addition, students will be able to further bolster their skills with professional internships at nonprofit and governmental organizations. Fellows may be involved in internships with such organizations as Teach for America, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Go for the Goal of Ohio. Established in 1887 and located near the heart of Washington, D.C., The Catholic University of America is unique as the national university in the Catholic Church and the only higher education institution founded by the U.S. bishops. It is committed to being a comprehensive Catholic and American institution of higher learning.The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program started in 1985 at Teachers College, Columbia University and now includes more than 80 university partners in 31 states and the District of Columbia. The program is specifically reserved for students who have already completed their tenure abroad with the Peace Corps. More details can be found at www.peacecorps.gov/fellows . MEDIA : For more information, contact Kelly McCormack with the Peace Corps at 202.692.1050 or kmccormack@peacecorps.gov , or Mary McCarthy Hines with Catholic University at 202.319.5600 or MCCARTHYM@cua.edu .