An incentive for the Peace Corps

After counseling teenagers in Belize and promoting HIV/AIDS awareness in Malawi, Peace Corps volunteers are getting a little help themselves.

Returning Peace Corps volunteers are recruited by universities and colleges participating in the Peace Corps Fellows/USA partner schools program, a national consortium of over 40 universities which offers returnees the opportunity to study in their programs at reduced tuition.

Last month, Penn announced its membership in the Peace Corps Fellows/USA partner schools program.

According to Don Kettl, director at the Fels Institute for Government, Penn will begin to offer scholarships for admitted students at the Fels Institute beginning this fall, with additional aid depending on individual need and qualifications.

Kettl added that accepted fellows will also participate in community internships in under-served communities.

Still, some students find the draw of the Peace Corps incentive enough to serve, even without the added benefit of the fellowship.

"Although I am very interested in grad school . this affiliation does not enhance my interest in the Peace Corps," said College senior Rachel Mowry.

Others, like College senior Claire Robertson, who is applying to the Peace Corps, think the program is both an incentive to join the Peace Corps and a good learning experience.

As the newest member in the consortium, Penn reflects the growing interest of universities to recruit a more diverse group of students with international experiences.

"Since we have found the Peace Corps experience such an outstanding background for the public service, we are eager to recruit these prospective students," Kettl said. "We have found that experience primes [students] for outstanding leadership careers."

Peer institutions such as Columbia, Duke, and Cornell have all joined the program.

"Graduate admissions offices - even top tier schools - are always looking for new ways to attract the best and brightest students and Fellows/USA is another tool in their toolbox," Peace Corps spokeswoman Laura Lartigue, wrote in an e-mail.

Less competitive graduate schools and programs, including the School of Community Economic Development of Southern New Hampshire University - which has been in the Peace Corps Fellows program for the past six years- also use the program to attract students with a broader international view.

Jennifer Forney, director of Graduate Student Services at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University said the students brought cultural sensitivity to the campus.

"We were more interested in international views from students," said Evan Studdard, associate dean at McAnulty College & Graduate School of Liberal Arts.

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