Jump to Content or Main Navigation

News Releases

Peace Corps Partners Recognized for Community Service

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 11, 2009 - Think globally, act locally. The Peace Corps is often credited for "bringing the world back home," and now four Peace Corps university partner schools have been recognized for outstanding dedication to national and community service in the United States.

The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, overseen by the Corporation for National and Community Service, listed 635 colleges and universities that have shown special dedication to service. The honor roll highlights the specific achievements of six institutions. Of these top six, two currently partner with the Fellows/USA program, and two are Master's International (MI) program partners.

MI offers graduate opportunities through both Emory University and Michigan State University, which ranked second and third, respectively. Meanwhile, Duke University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City ranked fifth and sixth, respectively. Those schools partner with the Peace Corps' Fellows/USA program.

Since 1987, the MI program has offered participants a unique opportunity to combine graduate studies with international service, connecting theory and practice and contributing to the Peace Corps' first goal: to help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women. MI students work toward a graduate degree while serving in the Peace Corps.

For more information about Master's International, please visit the Peace Corps Web site at www.peacecorps.gov/masters.

The Fellows/USA program, founded at Columbia University Teachers College in 1985, partners with universities which offer financial benefits to returned Peace Corps Volunteers who pursue advanced degrees while working in underserved communities in the United States. For more information about Fellows/USA, visit www.peacecorps.gov/fellows.

The Peace Corps is proud to be affiliated with the kind of institutions which, in the words of Nicola Goren, acting chief executive officer of the Corporation of National and Community Service, "represent an enormous pool of idealism and energy to help tackle some of our toughest challenges."

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.

# # #