Michigan State University is ranked No. 6 by the Peace Corps on its list of the top 25 volunteer-producing colleges and universities during the past 20 years.
“We are proud of our designation as a top-producing institution. Peace Corps helps MSU develop our student global citizens into global leaders who work on solving global issues,” said Ashley Green, assistant dean in MSU’s International Studies and Programs. “Through Peace Corps, students are able to leverage their education and bring essential skills to communities around the world.”
As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Since the program’s founding in 1961, more than 2,430 alumni from MSU have served abroad as volunteers. In March 2020, all volunteer operations were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In preparation for the return of in-person volunteering, in the fall of 2021 MSU launched a Peace Corps Prep program. Its goal is to empower participants to grow in important intercultural areas identified by the Peace Corps while also integrating coursework with hands-on experience and professional development.
“This globally focused program enhances students’ undergraduate experience by preparing them for international development work and potential Peace Corps service,” said Joy Campbell, manager of the MSU Peace Corps Prep program.
Peace Corps has identified four core competencies that are critical to the intercultural fieldwork volunteers perform:
- Sector-specific skills
- Foreign language proficiency
- Intercultural competence
- Professional conduct and leadership
Upon completion of the Peace Corps Prep program, participants will receive a certificate from the Peace Corps — and a competitive edge when applying for potential Peace Corps service.
MSU celebrated the first group of Peace Corps Prep program graduates this spring.
