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Peace Corps Fellows/USA Partners with the University of Rochester

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 10, 2009 - The Peace Corps welcomes the University of Rochester to its Fellows/USA program. The program will be housed in the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business, and will offer participants a Master of Arts or Science degree in business administration, a Master of Science degree in accountancy, or a Ph.D. option.

Volunteers who have satisfactorily completed their Peace Corps service will be eligible for the program which, besides completing class work toward the degree, will require a commitment to work with the University of Rochester's Center for Entrepreneurship and community organizations such as the Urban League, Neighborhood Works, Action for a Better Community, and the Economic Development Department of the city of Rochester.

"We are delighted to partner with the University of Rochester's Simon School," said acting Peace Corps Director Jody Olson. "Returned Peace Corps Volunteers participating in the Fellows/USA program through the school will bring their rich and diverse international experiences not only into the university classroom, but also to the work they will carry out in their local community as part of this program."

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers selected for the program will receive a $10,000 annual scholarship, and will be eligible for additional, merit-based funding.

"We are pleased to enter into this important partnership with the Peace Corps," says Simon School Dean Mark Zupan. "Simon is noted for attracting bright, talented students who are self-driven, socially responsible, and demonstrated leaders—the same characteristics inherent to those who join the Peace Corps. The outstanding skills and diverse experiences these students have gained as Peace Corps Fellows will be the perfect complement to earning a Simon graduate business degree."

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 over 50 universities nationwide. As one of the 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 website at www.peacecorps.gov/fellows.

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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