Peace Corps Partners with LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 5, 2011 – The LBJ School of Public Affairs and The Peace Corps are pleased to announce a partnership that will give selected students the opportunity to combine graduate school studies in public affairs or global policy with Peace Corps service.
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The new partnership is a part of the Peace Corps’ Master’s International program, which allows volunteers to combine Peace Corps service with a master's degree program and receive credit for their Peace Corps service abroad. Participants must apply to Peace Corps and the LBJ School at The University of Texas at Austin separately.
“The Peace Corps welcomes the LBJ School of Public Affairs to the Master’s International program,” said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams. “With this new partnership, our volunteers – who will also be LBJ School and The University of Texas at Austin students-- will be able to meet the worldwide demand for highly skilled professionals. This program will help create a new generation of leaders prepared to bring the Peace Corps experience back to the United States.”
“Beyond the compelling professional and educational reasons for a partnership between the Peace Corps and the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs is our shared commitment to public service,” said Robert Hutchings, dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs. “I call it ‘applied idealism’ – the desire to make the world a better place, and a willingness to do it one project, one person at a time.”
Participants in more than 60 Peace Corps Master’s International programs typically finish one year of graduate school in the U.S. before earning additional academic credit while serving as Peace Corps Volunteers abroad. Upon their return, Master’s International participants complete any remaining academic degree requirements. Many of Master’s International partner schools also offer volunteers financial benefits such as scholarships and reduced tuition. Further information on Master's International is available at www.peacecorps.gov/masters.
One of the largest institutions of higher education in the United States, The University of Texas at Austin has consistently been a top-ten provider of Peace Corps Volunteers. The University was also one of the earliest Peace Corps training sites, training the first Volunteers bound for Afghanistan.
About the Peace Corps: President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961 by executive order. Peace Corps will commemorate 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world through 2011. Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Today, 8,655 volunteers are working with local communities in 77 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, visit: www.peacecorps.gov.
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