Applications are now open for the Peace Corps Fellowship Program 2027 at Teachers College, Columbia University. Learn about eligibility, benefits, financial aid, application requirements, deadlines, and how Returned Peace Corps Volunteers can apply.
Peace Corps Fellowship Program 2027 Applications Open
The Peace Corps Fellowship Program 2027 offers Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) an outstanding opportunity to continue their commitment to service by pursuing a graduate education while preparing for impactful careers in teaching. Offered through the Jaffe Peace Corps Fellows Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, this prestigious fellowship supports future educators who are passionate about educational justice, equity, and serving high-need public schools.
The fellowship combines graduate-level teacher preparation with financial support, professional mentoring, and practical teaching experiences, helping Fellows build meaningful careers in education while continuing the Peace Corps tradition of community service.
If you have successfully completed your Peace Corps service and aspire to become an educator, this fellowship could be an excellent next step toward making a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.
About the Jaffe Peace Corps Fellows Program
The Jaffe Peace Corps Fellows Program is hosted by Teachers College, Columbia University, one of the world’s leading graduate schools of education.
The program was established to recruit exceptional Returned Peace Corps Volunteers into the teaching profession and prepare them to become highly effective educators in New York City’s high-need public schools.
Its mission is to:
- Recruit outstanding Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
- Prepare future teachers committed to educational equity.
- Support long-term careers in public education.
- Develop leaders who promote educational justice.
- Continue the Peace Corps spirit of service through teaching.
Participants receive rigorous academic preparation while benefiting from mentorship, professional support, and practical classroom experience.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants may benefit from numerous opportunities throughout the fellowship, including:
- Graduate education at Teachers College, Columbia University.
- Professional teacher preparation.
- Access to experienced faculty and mentors.
- Opportunities to teach in high-need public schools.
- Financial aid opportunities for eligible students.
- Professional networking.
- Leadership development.
- Career support.
- Practical classroom experience.
- Membership in a community of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
- Long-term career development in education.
Eligible Academic Programs
The fellowship supports students pursuing teacher certification in several education fields.
Programs include:
January Start Programs
- Teaching of English (Grades 7–12)
- Teaching of Social Studies (Grades 7–12)
- Intellectual Disability/Autism (Grades 1–6)
May Start Programs
Applicants may also apply to programs including:
- Teaching of English
- Teaching of Social Studies
- Mathematics Education
- Science Education
- Biology Education
- Chemistry Education
- Earth Science Education
- Physics Education
- Elementary Education
- Intellectual Disability/Autism
- Bilingual/Bicultural Education
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Elementary Professional Certification
- Secondary Professional Certification
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is specifically designed for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have successfully completed Peace Corps service.
- Meet the admission requirements of Teachers College.
- Apply to an eligible teacher education program.
- Demonstrate a commitment to educational equity and public service.
- Submit all required supporting documents.
Applicants who have not completed Peace Corps service are not eligible for this fellowship.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must complete both the Teachers College application and the supplementary Peace Corps Fellows application.
The supplementary application includes:
- Peace Corps Fellows Applicant Information Form.
- Official Peace Corps Description of Service (signed).
- Peace Corps Fellows essays.
- Additional supporting documents requested during admission.
Applicants should carefully review all admission requirements before submitting their application.
Interview Process
After reviewing applications, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
The interview process is conducted by:
- The Directors of the Jaffe Peace Corps Fellows Program.
- The Office of Teacher Education.
Applicants who cannot travel to campus may complete their interviews remotely through Zoom.
Financial Aid
Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for financial assistance.
Financial aid requirements generally include:
- Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the applicable academic years.
- Completing the Teachers College Scholarship Application Form.
- Meeting additional financial aid requirements established by the institution.
Financial aid availability depends on eligibility and institutional policies.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers bring valuable international experience, cross-cultural understanding, adaptability, and leadership skills to the classroom.
The Jaffe Peace Corps Fellows Program builds upon these strengths by preparing Fellows to become exceptional educators who can positively impact diverse student communities.
Graduates leave the program with advanced teaching skills, professional credentials, and the opportunity to continue serving communities through public education.
Application Process
Interested applicants should follow these general steps:
- Confirm eligibility by ensuring Peace Corps service has been completed.
- Apply through the Teachers College admissions portal.
- Complete the Jaffe Peace Corps Fellows supplementary application.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit official Peace Corps documentation.
- Complete the required fellowship essays.
- Apply for financial aid, if eligible.
- Attend an interview if invited.
- Await the admission decision.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare all documents early to ensure a smooth application process.
Application Deadlines
Application timelines vary depending on the intended program start date.
Mid-January Start
Applications are generally due during November for programs beginning in mid-January.
Mid-May Start
Applications are generally due during January for programs beginning in mid-May.
Applicants should verify the exact deadline for their chosen program before submitting their application.
Why You Should Apply
The Peace Corps Fellowship Program 2027 offers Returned Peace Corps Volunteers an exceptional opportunity to transform their international service experience into a rewarding career in education. Through graduate study at Teachers College, Columbia University, Fellows gain professional teaching credentials, mentorship, financial aid opportunities, and practical classroom experience while continuing their lifelong commitment to service and educational equity.
If you are passionate about teaching, leadership, and making a difference in underserved communities, this fellowship provides an excellent pathway toward a meaningful and impactful career.
Summary Table
| Fellowship | Peace Corps Fellowship Program 2027 |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Teachers College, Columbia University |
| Program | Jaffe Peace Corps Fellows Program |
| Fellowship Type | Graduate Fellowship |
| Location | New York, United States |
| Study Level | Graduate |
| Eligible Applicants | Returned Peace Corps Volunteers |
| Financial Aid | Available for eligible students |
| Interview | Required for selected applicants |
| Application Method | Online |
| Fields | Teacher Education, TESOL, Mathematics, Science, English, Social Studies, Elementary Education, Special Education, Bilingual Education |
| Application Status | Applications Open |
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