Peace Corps Fellowship

All RPCV’s who are interested in developing projects in conjunction with organizations abroad may be considered for the Global Sustainability Peace Corps fellowship.  The Fellowship comes with up to a $5,000 in tuition support for the recipient’s first year and may be matched by organizations globally.  Preference is given to applicants with in-kind or financial matches from organizations.  Fellows can seek project funding support via the Haley fund for their 600 second year projects and can complete part or all of their graduate education from anywhere in the world.   To request consideration for this fellowship, please mention it in your general application materials.

Current partners who sponsor Western’s Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Fellows include:

• Peace Corps Prep Program with Leadership and Engagement Office at Western. Fellows help develop and implement the campus Peace Corps Prep program. Fellows work with other campus entities to promote sustainability, service and inclusivity across the campus and in the greater community. Fellowship comes with a $2,500 tuition reduction each year and a free shared campus apartment for fall and spring semesters. (a total of a $9,100 value).  Fellowships may be renewed in the second year depending on performance.  Available for 2020.
• Multicultural Center at Western.  Fellows contribute to helping develop intercultural programs and opportunities for the campus and community. Fellowship comes with a $2,500 tuition reduction each year and a free shared campus apartment for fall and spring semesters. (a total of a $9,100 value).  Fellowships may be renewed in the second year depending on performance.  Available for 2020.
• We partner with Solar Energy International (SEI) to create a master in environmental management degree that integrates SEI training with MEM program courses. Fellows may receive up to a $5,000 fellowship to be applied toward their MEM tuition across their two years ($2,500 a year) and up to a $5,000 fellowship from SEI to be applied toward SEI courses (E.g, PV101, 203, 201L, and up to two other courses based on project interest and course availability). Fellows will provide 10 hours a week to the organization during their first year of their graduate program and complete their 600+ hour second year project with the organization. Available for 2020.
• Coldharbour Institute Coverdell Fellows. Fellowship in regenerative land management, wildlife management, sustainable building, solar energy gardens and outreach to underserved populations for an innovative learning center are available. Fellowship comes with a $1,000 tuition reduction for fall and spring semesters of their first year and possible $9,000 fellowship if their second-year project is done in conjunction with Coldharbour Institute.
• Please note that all RPCV applicants will be considered for fellowship support regardless of track choice.

Design your own Coverdell Fellowship

Western’s Master in Environmental Management program offers the only “Design your own Coverdell Fellowship” option in the nation. We encourage RPCV’s who have a passion and relationship within a currently underserved American community to utilize their entrepreneurial skills and ability to innovate to seek sponsorship for either a fellowship and/or housing assistance that allows them to gain the education and support of a master’s degree while serving in a place of their choice. We also have local organizational and federal partners with assorted needs in public lands management interested in creating fellowship opportunities and filling AmeriCorps positions.

To complete an application for a Coverdell Fellowship:

• Apply to MEM
• Complete Western’s Coverdell Fellowship Application
• Send application to the Program Facilitator, mem@western.edu / 970.943.2248.

Please contact Ricardo Vazquez-Perales, Ph.D. if you have questions.