Applicants are now being sought for scholarships to earn a two-year, masters-level degree in international studies, and peace and conflict resolution. Rotary International will award 60 such scholarships to six universities worldwide later this year. Nominees will be forwarded from District #5960 to Rotary International through a selection process set to begin immediately. Awards will be for the 2013-15 term.

The Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution is a major educational priority of The Rotary Foundation. The Foundation has established partnerships with universities in Japan, Sweden, England, Australia, Thailand and North Carolina in the United States. Rotary’s goal is to provide educational opportunities to a group of World Peace Fellows in order to advance knowledge and world understanding among future world leaders. The centers will also advance research, teaching publication and knowledge of issues of peace, goodwill and causes of conflict.

Applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree and be proficient in a second language. For more information and to print application, see the Rotary International website at www.rotary.org and click on “Students and Youth, then Rotary Peace Centers."

Applications are due to local Rotary Clubs by April 6, 2012. Endorsements by local clubs will then be sent to the district level by April 20, 2012. In-person interviews for district finalists will be conducted June 2, 2012 in Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area (candidates must be present to interview in-person) with the nominee’s name forwarded to the international office by June15, 2012. Awards will be announced by Rotary International in Fall 2012.