WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Peace Corps is proud to welcome the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center (UCDHSC) as its newest Fellows/USA partner school. UCDHSC is the second university in Colorado to partner with the Peace Corps in this unique graduate school opportunity for returned Volunteers.

"The University of Colorado at Denver is setting a progressive example by incorporating an international perspective into their curriculum, and making good use of the talents of returned Peace Corps Volunteers to help solve problems in local communities," said Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter. "We look forward to this new partnership through the Fellows program."

The new Fellows/USA program at UCDHSC will be housed in the School of Public Affairs (SPA), which is the only one of its kind in Colorado. SPA’s impact on the Denver community will be strengthened through its partnership with the Fellows/USA program. A key component of the program is a degree-related internship in an underserved U.S. community. Fellows will apply the skills they learned as Volunteers to address issues of quality and access to education, nonprofit capacity building, and domestic violence through organizations including Denver Options, the Denver Center for Crime Victims, The Colorado "I Have a Dream" Foundation, the Denver Employment Alliance, and Micro Business Development.

Fellows at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center will earn one of three degrees within the School of Public Affairs: a PhD in Public Affairs, a Master of Criminal Justice, or a Master of Public Administration. Fellows will receive $3,000 scholarships toward their study for up to two years. They will also be eligible for other scholarships and assistantships in addition to their paid internships.

"Our partnership with the Peace Corps really brings together some of the best aspects of both of our organizations--a strong educational component coupled with real world skills we encourage students to use whether in the local community or any community around the globe," said UCDHSC Provost Mark Heckler. "This additional partnership through our School of Public Affairs is just one more way we're providing learning that applies to today's changing world."

The relationship between UCDHSC and the Peace Corps is not a new one. The university has supported its commitment to academic quality and increasing students' international awareness through a partnership with the Peace Corps Master’s International program since 2003. The Department of Geography and Environmental Science program allows students to pursue a master's degree in environmental science while serving in the Peace Corps.

As 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 46-year legacy of service at home and abroad, and a 37-year high for Volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 190,000 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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