The Peace Corps recently announced the launch of Peace Corps Prep, an undergraduate certificate program, at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). The Peace Corps Prep program will launch on January 1. The program will combine targeted coursework with hands-on experience, building the competencies needed for students to be Peace Corps volunteers or other intercultural fieldworkers. Rochester Institute of Technology is one of eleven new university partnerships.
“Today’s students understand the immense challenges of our era and are energetic advocates for change,” Peace Corps Acting Director Carol Spahn said. “Through the Peace Corps Prep program at Rochester Institute of Technology, students can develop the transferable skills necessary to influence change, advance global equity, and be an effective Peace Corps volunteer.”
Peace Corps Prep will be structured as an interdisciplinary certificate program housed in the School of Individualized Studies.
“Peace Corps Prep is an opportunity for undergraduate students to develop competencies that will fortify their aspirations to serve abroad,” said La’Teashia Sykes, Peace Corps Director of University Programs.
“RIT is honored to be designated as a Peace Corps Prep University. RIT has always been a community that is looking to do ‘good’ in the world, whether it is faculty and staff who served in the Peace Corps and other service organizations or RIT students who are eager to take their skills and education and apply it to local and global challenges. Offering our students the opportunity to engage in this program is consistent with our institutional mission and our students’ aspirations, said Dr. Ellen Granberg, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.
Peace Corps works with more than 150 partner institutions nationwide to deliver programming that underscores a commitment to global citizenship, intercultural competencies, and a sense of service among students. Despite the global evacuation of all Peace Corps volunteers in March 2020 due to COVID-19, more than 700 undergraduate students completed the Peace Corps Prep program in the 2020-2021 academic year.
Interested students can find additional information about the Peace Corps Prep program at Rochester Institute of Technology by contacting Meg Walbaum, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Academic Advising, and Student Services, School of Individualized Study at mswcms@rit.edu.
Provided information
