Outreach Assistantship Benefit

OUTREACH ASSISTANTSHIP
The core expectation of U.S. Peace Corps is that Coverdell Fellows provide service or benefit to an underserved domestic community or a U.S. territory. At the UA, this occurs through a .25 Graduate Outreach Assistantship. Federal Work Study, grant funds, or regular wages can also supplement the expected outreach. We have partnered with more than 150 community non-profits, government agencies, and UA outreach units. Fellows are invited to match their interests with agency requests through a virtual outreach fair during the summer.
 
You can read more about the types of research-based and community-based work that Fellows did in 2017-2018 here:
 
Academic credit is not offered for previous Peace Corps service, nor for the Coverdell Fellows assistantship unless it qualifies for a departmental academic internship or independent study. Peace Corps Fellows service may meet your departmental requirement or you may elect to do something entirely different. Fellows often continue working with the same agency for the duration of their studies, but changes are permitted.
 
Fellows' projects have resulted in presentations at national conferences, publication of scholarly papers, and thesis/dissertation research. These experiences have sometimes led to permanent positions.

 

FUNDING

ASSISTANTSHIPS

All Fellows hold a .25 Graduate Outreach Assistantship which benefits underserved communities through research, teaching, or outreach projects.

Fellows may hold an additional .25 assistantship within the University of Arizona. Assistantships may be posted on the UA Career Services Wildcat Job Line, but are most often identified within the student's academic department. Students should contact faculty or the departmental graduate coordinator for additional information. Students may also seek assistantships outside the home department, such as a foreign language or outreach program.

The Graduate Outreach Assistantship covers half the standard resident base tuition and health insurance, and includes an $8,000 stipend per academic year, and a 10% discount at the UA bookstore.

Some programs and departments may provide additional student resources/stipends, depending on the degree program.

WORK STUDY

Eligible incoming Peace Corps Fellows receive a work study award to support their internship.  Average awards are $3,000 for the academic year, based on financial need determined by the FAFSA.

Work Study is administered through the UA Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.  Participation in the program allows non-profits and UA outreach units to benefit from the experience of working with Fellows.

EMPLOYMENT

Some community based organizations allocate resources for the hiring of Fellows. Organizations usually hire for specific skills such as credentialed teachers, evaluators, registered dieticians, or occupational therapists. As long as the position benefits an underserved community it is allowed for Fellows' service.