Clark University’s Graduate School of Management (GSOM) has partnered with the Peace Corps’ Fellows/USA program. At the GSOM, returned Peace Corps volunteers can work toward an MBA degree in a variety of concentrations, including social change. The social change track is comprised of courses in social entrepreneurship, environmental policy and community development.

In addition to classroom work, the Fellows will conduct internships throughout Worcester, a diverse community where more than 50 languages are spoken.

“This new partnership with Clark University is a welcome addition to our Fellows/USA program,” said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams. “Peace Corps Fellows who participate in the Clark University program will have the opportunity to apply their talents acquired as leaders in their host communities abroad while further developing their skills to address some of today's most challenging issues.”

Participating Fellows will receive at least a 50 percent reduction in tuition with the possibility for further merit aid.

“I have a hard time imagining a better partner for Clark’s Graduate School of Management than the Peace Corps,” said Edward Ottensmeyer, professor and former dean of the GSOM. “This new agreement will bring a group of talented, globally-savvy former Peace Corps volunteers to a business school with an overarching focus on global issues, environmental awareness and social change.”

The Fellows/USA program offers returned Peace Corps volunteers financial benefits such as scholarships, reduced tuition and university credit in advanced degree programs at 54 participating colleges and universities. In addition to their academic studies, Fellows/USA participants apply the experiences they acquired as volunteers abroad to service projects that benefit underserved American communities.

Peace Corps’ Fellows/USA program started in 1985 at Teachers College, Columbia University and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. To help expand Fellows/USA into new geographical regions and courses of study, Peace Corps is encouraging all accredited American graduate schools to apply by October 1, 2010 to the Peace Corps Fellows/USA program. More details can be found at www.peacecorps.gov/fellows.

The Clark University Graduate School of Management attracts a diverse student body hailing from more than 30 countries.