New Coverdell Fellows bring Peace Corps experience to ASU

Each Fall, Arizona State University welcomes returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCV) as they continue their service in underserved communities through a partnership with their academic units. Currently, ASU has a total of 18 fellows, including 10 new fellows chosen for the 2020-21 school year. This fall, the Graduate College conducted its first-ever virtual orientation for the new Coverdell Fellows to discuss the expectations during their tenure.

What is the Peace Corps? 

The Peace Corps is a government agency that sends hundreds of volunteers each year to locations around the world. Created in 1961 by John F Kennedy, its purpose is to promote friendship and world peace through the use of initiatives such as education, sustainability, and community development. One of the benefits of serving is an opportunity to receive financial assistance at participating graduate schools through the Coverdell Fellowship program.

What the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program at ASU provides

• Returned Peace Corps Volunteers are eligible to have their application fee waived for degree programs participating in the program by following the published application process.
• Students awarded the Coverdell Fellowship receive funding support which includes tuition assistance covering ASU standard (base) graduate tuition and need-based fellowship, provided from a combination of the participating academic program and the Graduate College.

Serving the community

Coverdell Fellows are required to spend 300 hours per year in an internship helping and engaging with an underserved community, preferably one that is related to their degree program. They are also required to participate in mentoring activities intended to foster relationships between fellows and those interested in joining the Peace Corps. There are three sub-components to the Coverdell Fellowship:

1. Internship
2. Service and Mentoring Activities
3. Professional Forum 

Passing the torch

Mentoring activities can vary from participating in discussion panels, attending Peace Corps events on campus, or through the ASU Mentor Network. In addition to their internship and mentoring, each semester, they are required to attend one professional development related to their program and submit a brief synopsis of the event.

Arizona State University and The Graduate College are excited to welcome our new fellows and are eager to see what amazing things they bring to our already prestigious university. Want to know more about the Peace Corps or its related programs on the ASU campus? You can visit the webpages for the Peace Corps, Coverdell Fellows at ASU, or Peace Corps prep.