FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
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Peace Corps
Contact: Press Office
Phone: 202.692.2230
Fax: 202.692.1379
Email: pressoffice@peacecorps.gov |
Xavier University of Louisiana to Become First Historically Black University to Partner with Fellows/USA Program |
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WASHINGTON, D.C., June 2, 2004 – Xavier University of Louisiana, in New
Orleans, has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Peace Corps’ Fellow/USA
program. Once Xavier enrolls its first Fellows, the university will become the
first successful Fellows/USA program at a historically black institution of
higher learning.
Xavier, which is the only historically black Catholic university in the
country, joins the ranks of the more than 30 Fellows/USA partner universities
across the country. Universities that participate in the Fellows/USA program ask
returned Peace Corps volunteers to complete internships in underserved U.S.
communities, in addition to graduate course work. In return, Peace Corps Fellows
receive reduced-cost graduate education.
“The Fellows’ agreement with Xavier is a milestone in our efforts to make
Peace Corps more representative of America’s population,” said Peace Corps
Director Gaddi H. Vasquez. “Americans are as individual as their backgrounds,
and it is important that Peace Corps volunteers reflect America’s diversity.”
Currently, the Peace Corps is trying to raise awareness of overseas volunteer
opportunities for all qualified Americans, especially in historically black and
Hispanic colleges. At present, approximately 15 percent of volunteers are
minorities and approximately 3 percent are African Americans.
At Xavier, Fellows who are interested in teaching math, science, or special
education can apply for either of two programs. The summer program offers full
tuition assistance, a signing bonus, and a training stipend as part of the
university`s Fast Track to Teaching program. These Fellows may earn teacher
certification and will have the option to pursue a master of arts in teaching
degree. Another option is for Fellows who are interested in teaching in these
areas to enter the university`s alternate certification master of arts in
teaching program in the fall. These Fellows receive full tuition assistance for
the 36 hours required to complete the courses. Fellows will teach in schools in
the New Orleans area.
Fellows’ funding will come from a Transition to Teaching grant from the U.S.
Department of Education’s Office of Innovation and Improvement. The Xavier
Fellows/USA program will be coordinated by Rosalind Pijeaux Hale, Ed.D.
According to Hale, out of 54,782 teachers in Louisiana, 7,162 teachers or 13.1
percent do not possess certification in the areas in which they teach. In
addition, the most recent census states that New Orleans Schools serve 31,904
children who live in poverty.
“As a partner with the Peace Corps Fellows/USA Program, Xavier University of
Louisiana will offer returning volunteers the opportunity to earn advanced
degrees in the unique environment of New Orleans,” said Kenneth G. Boutte,
Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “In return, Xavier will
be enriched as these individuals add to the culture and diversity of the campus
community and the greater New Orleans area. We are excited about the
possibilities of this partnership.”
For more information about the Fellows/USA program at Xavier University,
contact Hale at rhale@xula.edu.
For more information about Peace Corps Fellows/USA, please
click here.
Since 1961, more than 171,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps,
working in such diverse fields as education, health, HIV/AIDS education and
prevention, information technology, business development, the environment, and
agriculture. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years
of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.
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