Raija Bushnell, MPA-MSES 2014 Environmental Policy & Natural Resource Management

RPCV, Peru

Coverdell Fellow placement: Indiana University Office of Sustainability

Internship: Ted Smith Climate Fellow, One Montana Climate Resilience

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DescriptionThe School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) is proud to host the Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program, which provides professional opportunities for students to apply the advanced skillset they gain in any one of the School’s nationally recognized master’s degrees. Through this innovative program, Coverdell Fellows are able to contribute to the civic and service needs of the community. This is achieved through a collaboration among SPEA, Indiana University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), and valued community partners across the nonprofit and public sectors.

To be considered, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) must seek admission to any one of SPEA’s master’s degree programs, which include: a Master of Public Affairs (MPA); a Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES); and a distinctive dual MPA-MSES that fully integrates science and policy in an expedited academic design (5 semesters).

StructureCoverdell Fellows are an integral part of the SPEA Service Corps Program. Within this program, Fellows work approximately 12 hours per week at designated public and nonprofit organizations, agencies, and/or departments and participate in professional development sessions. Service Corps has an active Advisory Board comprised of faculty, staff, and community stakeholders. The Masters Program Office (MPO) administers the program under the direction of the Director of Graduate Student Services and the coordination of two student community coordinators — one assigned to the Nonprofit Corps and one assigned to the

Public Corps. To complement their Service Corps responsibilities, Coverdell Fellows help to promote Peace Corps’ Third Goal by organizing and participating in events focused on the promotion of cultural awareness, including SPEA’s annual celebration of Peace Corps Week and student-led international initiatives.

BenefitsThe greatest benefit of SPEA’s Coverdell Fellows Program is the opportunity to gain work experience that enhances the Coverdell Fellows’ academic training in SPEA. Fellows also make valuable contributions to the community through their service while expanding their professional skillset. Fellows receive an attractive financial package, including partial tuition remission and an hourly wage in exchange for a 12-hour per-week work assignment. Additionally, in recognition of volunteer service through Peace Corps, the SPEA master’s programs reduce the traditional 48-credit hour design by 6 credit hours. SPEA’s dual MPA-MSES program is also reduced by 6 credit hours from a standard 60-credit hour design. The experiential component integral to all of SPEA’s master’s degrees is waived. In total, the overall financial incentives over two years for Coverdell Fellows range from $19,770 to $30,491, based on residency status.

EligibilityCoverdell Fellows are selected on a competitive basis. Decisions are based on an RPCV’s academic record, letters of reference, personal statement, and résumé. As a Federal Work Study (FWS) Program, candidates must demonstrate eligibility via FAFSA qualification.

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PlacementUltimately, it is expected that Coverdell Fellows will enhance and hone their professional skill sets and continue to develop as leaders. The Service Corps Program reinforces academic preparation through experiential opportunities in both public and nonprofit assignments. Some examples of placements include:

Public Corps

n City of Bloomington: Parks and Recreation Natural Resources Coordinator Coordinate department activities associated with Bloomington

Bikes Week, the Griffy Lake Master Plan, and others.n City of Bloomington: Planning Department Environmental Commission Fellow Conduct research, write reports and press releases, and give

presentations for various issues, including the cost of growth and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Bloomington.

n City of Bloomington: Utilities Department Fellow Collect and analyze data, develop policy proposals and standard

operating procedures, and manage projects to meet City energy conservation and sustainability goals.

n Monroe County: Planning Department Fellow Conduct and enhance the ongoing watershed characterization

project involving biological field work, GIS data development, report generation, and public presentations.

n Indiana University Office of Sustainability: Energy and Built Environment Coordinator Conduct research, assist with strategic planning, manage

interns, and develop and implement programs/projects that support the goals of the Energy and Built Environment Campus Working Group.

Nonprofit Corps

n Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County: Development Assistant Support fundraising and donor cultivation efforts for the capital

campaign.n Girls, Inc: Fund Development Fellow Develop and implement a viable planned giving campaign and

coordinate donor appreciation events and donor stewardship system.

n Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard: Development Fellow Expand donor awareness about the organization’s programs and

build diverse funding streams through community collaboration, donor cultivation, and grants.

n Sycamore Land Trust: Outreach Specialist Assist with fundraising, awareness-raising, property

management, and volunteer recruitment.n IU Health Positive Link: Program Development Coordinator Manage community health program operations, write grants,

monitor program budgets and grant compliance, and assist with strategic planning and reporting requirements.

Contact Information

School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA)1315 E. 10th StreetBloomington, IN 47405812.855.2840

Jennifer Forney Director of Student Programming Aaron Witzke, RPCV Rwanda Community Coordinator Nonprofit Service Corps

Joshua Becker, RPCV FijiCommunity Coordinator Public Service Corps

For More Information

Please email speainfo@indiana.edu.

Josh BeckerMPA 2015

Public Financial Administration, Policy Analysis

RPCV, Fiji

Community Coordinator, Public Service Corps

Internship: Government Accountability Office

“As the Public Corps Coordinator for the Service Corps Program, I am able to help leverage SPEA’s rigorous

classroom training and the volunteer experience of our Coverdell Fellows to meet the work demands presented

by our array of participating community partners. My status as an RPCV enables me to empathize with the expectations of SPEA’s Coverdell Fellows in securing

meaningful and impactful opportunities in their Service Corps placement in fulfilment of Peace Corps’

Third Goal. The Community Coordinator position has given me the opportunity to further develop

experience in management, training and facilitation, and community development,

and it is rewarding to see the tangible results of our Fellows’ efforts manifest

throughout the community.”

© August 2014