WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Peace Corps welcomes Drew University as its newest Fellows/USA partner school. Drew’s program, housed in the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, will grant successful Fellows master's degrees in teaching (MAT) with subject area concentrations available in secondary biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, social studies, and Spanish.

Volunteers who have satisfactorily completed their Peace Corps service will be eligible for the program which, in addition to class work toward the degree will include an internship that allows participants to tutor students, and to student-teach in the Orange School District in New Jersey. Fellows will be awarded scholarships that will cover 40 percent of their tuition.

Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter said, "I am enthusiastic about our new partnership with Drew University and we look forward to a vibrant partnership that will draw upon the strengths of both institutions. I am confident that Drew University will be a strong Fellows/USA partner."

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 50 universities nationwide. As one of Peace Corps' domestic programs, Fellows/USA allows 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 http://www.peacecorps.gov/fellows/.

Linda Swerdlow, Ph.D., the Director of Drew's MAT program pointed out that "Drew's MAT is a perfect fit for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. We are seeking candidates who can help American youth develop a global perspective, cross-cultural understanding, and an awareness of the global nature of the social problems they must solve in the future. The program builds on the Peace Corps experience by providing returning volunteers with coursework geared to help students in high needs urban districts develop '21st century skills.' These include critical thinking, the ability to apply knowledge to real life contexts and technology integration. We welcome Returned Volunteers into our program."

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, over 195,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served. Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased 16 percent this past year, the largest boost in the last five years. Currently, 7,876 Peace Corps Volunteers are serving in 76 countries. 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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