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Coverdell Fellowship for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs)

Clark is committed to supporting graduate students who have served in the Peace Corps. Eligible returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs) are encouraged to apply for our Paul D. Coverdell Fellowships for study in the Department of Sustainability and Social Justice (formerly IDCE) and the School of Management (SOM).

Coverdell Fellowship Benefits

  • Financial assistance: All Coverdell Fellows receive a 50% tuition remission and a waiver of Clark’s application fee ($100).
  • Additional merit-based scholarships: Each year, Clark awards one 100% fellowship and up to three 75% fellowships to Coverdell applicants.
  • RPCV community support: Throughout your application process and graduate studies, you will connect with RPCVs faculty and students who know firsthand the joys and challenges of Peace Corps service.

Positive Social Impact

under represented students

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

  • 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.
  • 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.

In addition to completing an internship, fellows advance the Peace Corps’ Third Goal by organizing events to raise campus awareness about the Peace Corps. Many fellows serve as course assistants and/or provide guest lectures for undergraduate courses based on their Peace Corps experience.

Advance Your Career

IDCE Advisor with student

Both IDCE and SOM 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

Eligible Programs

Sustainability and Social Justice (formerly IDCE)

  • M.S. in Sustainable Food Systems
  • M.A. in Community Development and Planning
  • M.A. in International Development
  • M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy
  • M.S. in Geographic Information Science
Learn More

School of Management (SOM)

  • Master of Science in Accounting
  • Master of Science in Accounting Analytics
  • Master of Science in Business Administration (excludes online MBA)
  • Master of Science in Business Analytics
  • Master of Science in Finance
  • Master of Science in Management
  • Master of Science in Marketing
  • Master of Science in Marketing Analytics
Learn More

Application Fee Waiver

Application fees are waived for returned Peace Corps volunteers.

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 from the Peace Corps is required to validate participation and be eligible for the Coverdell Fellowship.

Application Process

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

Graduate Admissions

Office Location

  • Graduate Admissions
    122 Woodland Street
    Worcester, MA 01610

  • Office hours by appointment only.

Mailing Address