WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yale University students have long been known for their academic achievement and strong tradition of community service. Now, through a partnership with the Peace Corps, they will be able to build on that legacy. Recently, the Peace Corps welcomed Yale University as its newest Fellows/USA partner school, and its first in Connecticut.

"The Peace Corps is proud to offer our returned Volunteers an opportunity to build upon their service while earning an international relations degree at Yale," said Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter.

After completing their service, returned Peace Corps volunteers will apply to Yale Graduate School through the regular admissions process. If admitted, they will enroll as Fellows in the international relations master’s degree program. This two year program is part of Yale's Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies.

"A partnership between the MacMillan Center and the Peace Corps is a natural fit," said Yale Graduate School Dean Jon Butler. "Both organizations promote international understanding and appreciation. Volunteers’ real-life experiences in the field will add a new dimension to the intellectual excitement of the IR program."

Their cross-cultural skills, adaptability, and desire to work for improvement make returned Volunteers valuable assets to the communities in which they live. Yale Peace Corps Fellows will use the diverse skills learned during their overseas service to help some the most vulnerable residents in New Haven, Conn. During summer internships, Fellows will work with a wide variety of non-profit organizations in the local area.

In addition to the IR program, Peace Corps Fellows at Yale may also pursue any of the joint degree programs available through IR and the MacMillan Center, including forestry and environmental studies, management, law, and public health.

One of the Peace Corps' domestic programs, Fellows/USA enables returned volunteers to pursue graduate degrees at reduced cost while aiding underserved U.S. communities through internships. The program has established partnerships with more than 40 universities nationwide. For more information about Fellows/USA, please visit the Peace Corps Web site at www.peacecorps.gov/fellows.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 45-year legacy of service at home and abroad. Since 1961, more than 187,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where Volunteers have served. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

###