Paul D. Coverdell Fellows – Peace Corps Partnership
Graduate Scholarships for Returning Peace Corps Volunteers
At the University of Maine, we deeply value the service and commitment of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. You bring diverse experiences, global perspectives, and a dedication to building stronger communities. To honor that service, the University of Maine, in partnership with the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program, offers renewable scholarships covering full tuition and mandatory fees for up to 30 credits a year in the Master of Arts in Global Policy (1 scholarship) or Master of Social Work (3 scholarships) programs.
About the University of Maine’s School of Policy and International Affairs (SPIA)
The University of Maine’s School of Policy and International Affairs (SPIA) offers an ideal next step for those committed to global service and leadership. With its Master of Arts in Global Policy and concentrations in Environmental Policy, Climate Policy, Trade & Commerce, and Security & Foreign Policy, SPIA equips students with the analytical tools and professional skills needed to address today’s most pressing global challenges.
SPIA’s interdisciplinary curriculum integrates thematic and regional courses, encouraging students to approach political, social, economic, and environmental issues from multiple perspectives. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving in complex settings, and real-world application, allowing students to deepen their policy knowledge and translate lived or professional experiences into impactful global careers.
With small cohorts, personalized faculty mentorship, and a strong commitment to international service, SPIA fosters a close-knit and supportive community where students can thrive. Whether building on Peace Corps service or other international experiences, students find SPIA to be more than a degree, it is a continuation of their mission to engage across cultures, shape policy, and make a meaningful difference in the world.
apply to the master of Arts in Global Policy program
Review of the applications to the University of Maine SPIA Coverdell Fellows program starts in January and students should have the results by mid-March. Coverdell Fellowship recipients will be notified of their award as part of the general admissions process. Returning Peace Corps Volunteers will indicate their status on the application form, and will be automatically considered for the Coverdell Fellows scholarship funds.
About the University of Maine’s master of social work program
As a Top-100 US News and World Report degree and a Top-20 Most Affordable Social Work Program, the University of Maine Master of Social Work program in the School of Social Work (SSW) has been educating graduate social workers since 1988. We take pride in preparing effective advanced generalist social workers capable of practicing with autonomy and skill in diverse social welfare, health, and human services settings.
We admit small cohorts to give you the opportunity to form a deep connection with the material and the community. At the University of Maine, we create a culture of inclusiveness and seek talented students from all backgrounds who bring diverse ideas and perspectives to the classroom and beyond. Our full-time curriculum is designed to be completed in as little as five semesters, with supervised field placements beginning in your first semester of graduate study.
apply to the master of social work program
Applications to the University of Maine Master of Social Work Coverdell Fellows program are due by the deadline for admission listed on the MSW program page. Returning Peace Corps Volunteers will indicate their status on the application form, and will be automatically considered for the Coverdell Fellows scholarship funds.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR
RETURNING PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS
MSW Program
The scholarship is renewable and will cover year-round full-time tuition (9 credits spring and fall, 6 credits summer). Your application fees will be waived, and out-of-state students will be granted the in-state rate for any additional credit hours taken above those covered by the scholarship. Additionally, as a Coverdell Fellow, you will receive specialized assistance in selecting internship sites that help to fulfill your educational and career goals and in keeping with the values you learned as a Peace Corps volunteer.
M.A. in Global Policy Program
The Coverdell Fellowship is renewable for up to two years and covers full tuition and mandatory fees for the 30-credit Master of Arts in Global Policy program. As a Coverdell Fellow, you will also receive dedicated support in selecting internships that align with your academic and career goals while reflecting the values of your Peace Corps service.
To Qualify for The SPIA or SSW coverdell fellowship:
Learn More
SPIA
Capt. James Settele, USN (Ret.)
james.settele@maine.edu
Katy Blackmer
katy.blackmer@maine.edu
SSW
Jennifer Crittenden
jennifer.crittenden@maine.edu | 207.581.2495
