WASHINGTON, D.C. - Peace Corps' Master's International program turns 20 this year and, unlike most 20-year-olds, it is enjoying a growth spurt. As the result of a competitive selection process, the program intends to add five new university partners to its roster in 2007. The first is Clemson University in South Carolina.

Designed for Americans who want the opportunity to earn graduate degrees while serving as Peace Corps Volunteers abroad, Master's International will enable students at Clemson to enroll in agricultural education, agricultural and applied economics, or forest resources degree programs, and then combine their academic knowledge with a practical, international field assignment.

"The Master's International Program provides a tremendous opportunity for Americans to serve while gaining graduate level credit," said Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter. "We are pleased to begin our partnership with Clemson University, a university with a proud tradition of volunteerism."

Peace Corps' new partnership with Clemson is a natural fit. As a land-grant university, Clemson has a long tradition of teaching, research, and service. In fact, the university is ranked 21st this year among medium-sized colleges and universities for the number of its alumni who are Peace Corps Volunteers.

"Service to others has long been part of our culture at Clemson and we see this partnership with the Peace Corps as a doorway to opportunities for our students and for the people they serve," Clemson President James F. Barker said. "As this world grows smaller, it seems our role in it grows larger."

Since 1987, Master's International has expanded to include partnerships at more than 50 universities throughout the U.S. These graduate programs provide opportunities for Volunteers to fill specialized assignment areas that require advanced education. For more information, please visit the Peace Corps website at www.peacecorps.gov/masters.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 46-year legacy of service at home and abroad, and a 30-year high for Volunteers in the field. 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.

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