Schar School of Policy and Government Joins Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program

Andrew J Schappert — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 20:43:21 +0000

Schar School of Policy and Government Joins Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program Andrew J Schappert Mon, 03/09/2026 - 16:43

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Mark J. Rozell

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New partnership supports Returned Peace Corps Volunteers pursuing graduate education and continued service

The Schar School of Policy and Government at �鶹��Ƶ is proud to partner with the Peace Corps as a Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program institution, expanding opportunities for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) to pursue graduate education while continuing their commitment to service in communities across the United States.

The partnership aligns closely with the Schar School’s mission to prepare principled leaders equipped to address complex public policy challenges at the local, national, and global levels. By welcoming RPCVs into its graduate programs, the Schar School builds on its longstanding focus on public service, international engagement, and policy leadership.

Located in Arlington, Virginia, the Schar School connects fellows to the center of public policy, national security, global commerce, and public administration. Through rigorous academic training and practical experience, Schar School graduate programs prepare students to lead in government, nonprofit organizations, international institutions, and the private sector.

Coverdell Fellows at the Schar School will pursue one of six eligible master’s degrees while completing a substantive U.S.-based internship that benefits underserved communities, continuing the Peace Corps tradition of service while gaining advanced policy and leadership training. In further support of that service component, George �鶹��Ƶ’s Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning (CECIL) will serve as a partner in helping connect fellows to internship and community engagement opportunities.

“Returned Peace Corps Volunteers bring deep experience, perspective, and a strong commitment to service,” said Mark J. Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government. “Their global perspective and dedication to community engagement reflect the values we seek to cultivate at the Schar School. We are proud to welcome them as Coverdell Fellows and support their next step in public service and leadership.”

Eligible Schar School graduate programs for Coverdell Fellows include: Master of Biodefense; Master of Global Commerce and Policy; Master of International Security; Master of Organization Development and Knowledge Management; Master of Political Science; Master of Public Administration; and Master of Public Policy.

Learn more about the program benefits. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers interested in applying as a Coverdell Fellow should contact the Schar School for application fee waiver instructions and program guidance by emailing schargr@gmu.edu.

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