Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Program

The Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, in partnership with the U.S. Peace Corps, provides Returned Peace Corps Volunteers the opportunity to earn a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Nutritional Sciences through the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program.  

The Coverdell Fellows program offers financial support to those who have served as a Peace Corps Volunteer, Peace Corps Response (PCR) Volunteer, or Global Health Service Partnership Volunteer prior to enrolling in the master’s program in Nutritional Sciences at Michigan Public Health.

All fellows complete internships in underserved American communities, allowing them to bring home and expand upon the skills they learned as volunteers.

Learn more about the partnership between Michigan Public Health and the Peace Corps.

Coverdell Fellows receive the following benefits:

  • Financial assistance: Fellows receive a 50 percent tuition award per year, which applies to in-state or out-of-state tuition.
  • Professional experience: Your internship will allow you to apply what you learn in the classroom to a professional setting.
  • Helping others: As part of the program requirement, you’ll provide much-needed assistance to some of the most underserved communities in the US.
  • Furthering the Peace Corps mission: By sharing your experiences in classrooms and in communities, you will help fulfill the Peace Corps Third Goal—to promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
  • Federal job opportunities: If you enroll in school soon after service, your one-year noncompetitive eligibility status for federal jobs applications may, at the hiring agency's discretion, be extended up to three years from your close of service date.

Eligibility

Applicants who meet one of the criteria below are eligible to apply for the Coverdell Fellows Program at Michigan Public Health:

  • Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who have satisfactorily completed their Peace Corps service
  • Returned Peace Corps Response (PCR) Volunteers who serve at least one 12-month tour or a combination of shorter tours that amount to at least 12 months
  • Global Health Service Partnership (GHSP) who serve at least one 12-month tour or a combination of shorter tours that amount to at least 12 months

Application Process

  1. Complete the SOPHAS fee waiver form for a service based waiver.
  2. Select yes when asked if they have PC experience in the SOPHAS app.
  3. Contact [email protected] with documentation and we will waive our school supplemental fee as well ($75)

Learn more about the admission criteria and application process for Michigan Public Health.

Contact Information

If you have questions about the application process, please contact Susan Aaronson at [email protected] or 734-647-0214.

If you have questions about the program, please see the Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows website.