West Virginia University will prepare undergraduate students for a global career and a competitive edge when applying to the Peace Corps through a new certificate program that aligns curriculum and service learning to meet the needs of this internationally recognized organization.
The Peace Corps recognized this effort by naming WVU a partner school. There are more than 70 active Peace Corps prep schools in the country. WVU’s globally infused curriculum and established service learning program make it possible for students to prepare for international fieldwork in the six sectors that the Peace Corps serves: education, health, environment, agriculture, youth in development and community and economic development.
The program will be administered by the ASPIRE Office in the Honors College and is open to all students in all majors. Students will complete extensive service learning, develop a curriculum plan, attend lectures and meet with Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
"The Peace Corps Prep certificate program at WVU will empower undergraduates to become as prepared as possible for Peace Corps service after they graduate,” said David M. Hauser, institutional coordinator and teaching associate professor in the Department of Political Science. ”By combining in-class learning, including language instruction, with out-of-class opportunities to build skills in leadership and intercultural competence, the program will help students develop a portfolio of skills and knowledge that will serve them well as Peace Corps volunteers."
Students can explore Peace Corps opportunities and then map their curriculum around the requirements for that opportunity. Receiving a certificate does not guarantee acceptance into the Peace Corps but does give students a competitive edge, according to the website.
Cate Johnson, assistant director of ASPIRE, will administer the program. The application will open this summer for fall enrollment in the program. For more information, visit the website, email aspire@mail.wvu.edu or call 304.293.7569.
-WVU-
lr/05/18/2017
Contact Cate Johnson
assistant director of ASPIRE
aspire@mail.wvu.edu; 304.293.7569.