A Guide to the RPCV Scholarship & Fellows Program at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing

If you’re a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) looking to transform your passion for service into a career in nursing, you’ll want to pay close attention to the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Not only does it honor your global service, it also helps ease the financial and academic journey toward becoming a nurse.

Let’s break it all down.

🧭 What is the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program?

The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program at JHSON is a graduate fellowship opportunity for RPCVs to pursue their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) through a service-focused and scholarship-supported pathway.

Johns Hopkins was actually the first nursing school in the country to offer this program, and today, it remains one of the most robust Coverdell programs in the U.S., focusing on underserved communities and global health perspectives.

🎓 Program Benefits

1. Financial Support

RPCVs can apply for several funding opportunities:

• 💰 Peace Corps Fellows Scholarship – $12,500 (awarded to ~12 Fellows per year)
• 💰 Gurtler Scholarship – $60,000 (awarded to one RPCV each year)
• 💰 Academic Merit Scholarship – Covers 50% tuition (Note: cannot be combined with the Fellows Scholarship)
• 💡 You can still apply for need-based aid through Johns Hopkins, regardless of whether you receive one of the RPCV-specific awards.

📚 Academic Requirements

The program is designed for students applying to the MSN: Entry into Nursing Program — a direct-entry master’s degree for those who want to become registered nurses.

As a Fellow, you will:

• Complete standard MSN coursework.
• Enroll in NR.100.426 – Community Outreach to Underserved Populations, a service-learning course.
• Work with vulnerable populations in Baltimore through a community outreach placement.

🤝 Community Engagement

This is where your Peace Corps skills really shine. As part of your Fellows responsibilities, you’ll engage in hands-on work with underserved communities through local partner agencies. Past placements have included work in:

• Refugee and immigrant health
• HIV/AIDS support
• Women’s and maternal health
• Urban community wellness programs

Some of these positions come with stipends. Others are volunteer-based, but all provide valuable experience aligned with the mission of improving health equity.

🌐 Global to Local: Bridging the Gap

Even though you’re studying in Baltimore, your global health perspective is still in demand. JHSON supports international opportunities through short-term clinical immersions and research programs. Plus, faculty involved in global health work offer mentorship and collaboration on projects.

📅 Application Deadlines & Process

Here’s what you need to do and when:

📌 Pro Tip: On your application, be sure to indicate your RPCV status and include your Description of Service (DOS).

🧑‍🏫 Meet the Program Director

Dr. Nancy Reynolds, a passionate advocate for community health, leads the program and is a key resource for Fellows. She helps guide students through academic and professional development.

For direct questions, you can reach the school at:
📧 Email: Contact via JHSON site
📞 Phone: 410-955-7548

🗣️ Why It Matters

As an RPCV, you’ve already proven your dedication to service, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication. The Johns Hopkins RPCV Fellows Program builds on that foundation — helping you become a nurse leader ready to take on both local and global health challenges.