Peace Corps Fellowship: Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program at Wurzweiler (for Returning Peace Corps Volunteers)

Why Choose to Be a Fellow at Wurzweiler?

The Wurzweiler School of Social Work is tremendously committed to the Peace Corps Fellows Program. We value the experience volunteers get while in the Peace Corps and understand how that experience may better prepare returned volunteer students for their field work, which is an integral part of our program. Returned volunteers have also demonstrated a belief in giving help to underserved and needy communities.

The funds have been identified to continue to support this program into the foreseeable future.

We are dedicated to preparing skilled practitioners with commitment to social justice and “repairing the world” [tikkun olam], an important Jewish value. Historically and currently, the school’s mission has adhered to a distinct set of values—cultural competence, professional ethics and values, social justice and the importance to services for underserved communities and individuals. The National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics, to which we subscribe and use as a very important teaching tool, identifies six core values of the profession: service, social justice, dignity and worth of every person, the importance of human relationships, integrity and competence. Our partnerships with our field work agencies and the Peace Corps are directly in line with the mission of our school and our practices, and we believe we have an obligation to make our communities a better place and train our students to take on that task. Connecting returned Peace Corps volunteers with communities in need is a perfect match.

Click here to read a short essay from Wurzweiler graduate Fran Heller about her experience in the Peace Corps and Wurzweiler.

Degree Options for Fellows

• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• PhD in Social Welfare
• Joint MSW/PhD program

Fellows can obtain their degrees as part-time or full-time students and may choose from any of our flexible program plans.

Benefits for Fellows at Wurzweiler School of Social Work

• Priority in the admissions process
• All accepted applicants are eligible for a special Fellows scholarship of $14,000
• The opportunity to share your Peace Corps experience and use that experience to build your career

Eligibility

Returned volunteers who have satisfactorily completed their Peace Corps service have lifetime eligibility for the Coverdell Fellows Program. Volunteers may choose to participate immediately following their Peace Corps service, or any time thereafter.

How to Apply

There are no additional application requirements for fellows. However, make sure to note in your application and personal statement that you are applying to Wurzweiler through the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program. Begin your application now.