Coverdell Fellowship for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs)

More Coverdall Fellowship Benefits

  • Professional Development: Fellows participate in professional development workshops offered by our department’s office of Career Development and External Relations.
  • Advancing the Third Goal: Fellows help organize social and educational events to raise awareness about Peace Corps across campus, and with Worcester’s RPCV community. Many Fellows serve as Course Assistants and/or provide guest lectures on their volunteer experiences for undergraduates considering a future in the Peace Corps through Clark’s Peace Corps Prep program.

Eligible Programs

Children learn about sanitation at a handwashing station in Nepal.

Positive Social Impact

All Coverdell Fellows complete an internship (150 hours) supporting an underserved American community.

Recent Coverdell fellows have had internships at the U.S. Agency for International Development, the city of Worcester, and many local nonprofit organizations, such as African Community Education.

Internships related to the fellow’s field of study may receive academic credit toward degree requirements.

Internship hours can be completed in one semester or throughout a fellow’s time at Clark.

Advance Your Career

We host in-house career development offices to support students. Our recent Coverdell fellows are serving in the following positions:

  • Energy and sustainability specialist at ICF
  • Program assistant, Transatlantic Climate Policy Project, Global Energy Center at the Atlantic Council
  • Senior research, learning, and analytics specialist at World Vision
  • Operations permit manager at Avangrid Renewables
  • Management associate at RTI International
  • Refugee case manager at Forward Service Corp.
  • Program associate at Panagora Group
  • Disaster program manager at the American Red Cross
  • Community health case manager at Neighborhood House
  • Claims representative at the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board
  • Geospatial analyst at GEE Agriculture
  • Associate at Palladium: Make It Possible

Application Fee Waiver

Application fees are waived for RPCVs

While filling out the online application, select “Yes” from the drop-down menu when asked, “Do you have an affiliation with a Clark recognized partnership organization? (Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Fulbright, Beta Gamma Sigma, etc.)“. Under the “Please Specify” box, select “Coverdell Fellowship”. This will qualify you for the application fee waiver.  A Description of Service (DOS) or a letter from your Country Director (if still in service) is required to be eligible for the Coverdell Fellowship.

Application Process

How to apply

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Review the Graduate Application Deadlines for fall semester and spring semester final deadline dates. Decisions for completed applications are returned within two weeks.

  • Online application form
  • Official undergraduate transcripts (unofficial are acceptable for application review)
  • Resume or CV
  • Personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Description of service (if service is complete) or letter from your country director (if currently serving)
  • GMAT or GRE scores (optional, except for MBA, which requires the GMAT)
Contact information
Office location

Graduate Admissions
122 Woodland Street
Worcester, MA 01610

1-508-793-7373

office hours

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

mailing address

950 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01610