SPEA MASTER’S PROGRAMS
Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows MASTERS PROGRAM OFFICE • SPEA 260 • 1315 East Tenth St. • Bloomington, IN 47405
Description
The School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) is proud to host the Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program, which provides professional opportunities for students to apply the advanced skillset they gain in any one of the School’s nationally recognized master’s degrees. Through this innovative program, Coverdell Fellows are able to contribute to the civic and service needs of the community. This is achieved through a collaboration among SPEA, Indiana University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), and valued community partners across the nonprofit and public sectors. To be considered, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) must seek admission to any one of SPEA’s master’s degree programs, which include: a Master of Public Affairs (MPA); a Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES); and a distinctive dual MPA-MSES that fully integrates science and policy in an expedited academic design (5 semesters).
Structure
Coverdell Fellows are an integral part of the SPEA Service Corps Program. Within this program, Fellows work approximately 12 hours per week at designated public and nonprofit organizations, agencies, and/or departments and participate in professional development sessions. Service Corps has an active Advisory Board comprised of faculty, staff, and community stakeholders. The Masters Program Office (MPO) administers the program under the direction of the Director of Graduate Student Services and the coordination of two student community coordinators — one assigned to the Nonprofit Corps and one assigned to the
Raija Bushnell, MPA-MSES 2014 Environmental Policy & Natural Resource Management RPCV, Peru Coverdell Fellow placement: Indiana University Office of Sustainability Internship: Ted Smith Climate Fellow, One Montana Climate Resilience
p: 800-765-7755 or 812-855-2840
speainfo@indiana.edu
f: 812-856-3665
www.spea.indiana.edu
Public Corps. To complement their Service Corps responsibilities, Coverdell Fellows help to promote Peace Corps’ Third Goal by organizing and participating in events focused on the promotion of cultural awareness, including SPEA’s annual celebration of Peace Corps Week and student-led international initiatives.
Benefits
The greatest benefit of SPEA’s Coverdell Fellows Program is the opportunity to gain work experience that enhances the Coverdell Fellows’ academic training in SPEA. Fellows also make valuable contributions to the community through their service while expanding their professional skillset. Fellows receive an attractive financial package, including partial tuition remission and an hourly wage in exchange for a 12-hour per-week work assignment. Additionally, in recognition of volunteer service through Peace Corps, the SPEA master’s programs reduce the traditional 48-credit hour design by 6 credit hours. SPEA’s dual MPA-MSES program is also reduced by 6 credit hours from a standard 60-credit hour design. The experiential component integral to all of SPEA’s master’s degrees is waived. In total, the overall financial incentives over two years for Coverdell Fellows range from $19,770 to $30,491, based on residency status.
Eligibility
Coverdell Fellows are selected on a competitive basis. Decisions are based on an RPCV’s academic record, letters of reference, personal statement, and résumé. As a Federal Work Study (FWS) Program, candidates must demonstrate eligibility via FAFSA qualification.