WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Peace Corps recently welcomed the Bowling Green State University (BGSU), in Bowling Green, Ohio, as its newest Fellows/USA partner school. The campus joins almost 50 other institutions in offering the Fellows/USA option to returned Peace Corps Volunteers. BGSU's program, housed in the School of Leadership and Policy, will grant successful Fellows master's degrees in Cross-Cultural and International Education.

Margaret Zoller Booth, Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator for the program said, "I believe a Peace Corps Fellows-Bowling Green State University partnership will benefit everyone involved. BGSU’s long history in the education profession positions it well to work with Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, and a collaborative effort between BGSU and the Peace Corps would only strengthen the university's expertise in the educational and international arenas. Furthermore, the other BGSU students would gain tremendously from being in classes with them. I discovered this for myself when I was a returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Kenya, attending classes with other returned Volunteers. Our classes were all the stronger as a result of the unique experiences brought into the classroom. I see this partnership as a win-win situation."

Peace Corps Director Ronald A. Tschetter said, "We're thrilled about this new partnership with Bowling Green State University. The Fellows Program is unique, and we know that the partnership will benefit everyone involved—the Fellows in the program, BGSU and its students, and the local community organizations that Fellows will be working with in that area of Ohio area as well."

Volunteers who have satisfactorily completed their Peace Corps service will be eligible for the program which, besides class work towards the degree, will include work with local and national organizations such as the Ohio Migrant Education Center; Rural Opportunities, Inc; Adelante, the Latino Resource Center; and the Toledo Public Schools system. Fellows will receive graduate assistantships which include full tuition waivers, plus stipends based upon hours worked.

An integral part of the Peace Corps Fellows/USA program is a substantive, degree-related internship in a high-need community. With their cross-cultural skills, adaptability, and desire to work for improvement, returned Volunteers are valuable assets at their universities. The program has established partnerships with more than 45 universities nationwide. As one of Peace Corps' domestic programs, Fellows/USA enables returned Volunteers to pursue graduate degrees at a reduced cost while aiding underserved U.S. communities through internships. For more information about Fellows/USA, please visit the Peace Corps Web site at www.peacecorps.gov/fellows.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 47-year legacy of service at home and abroad, and a 30-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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