First batch of Michigan State University Peace Corps prep program students graduates

The Peace Corps has ranked Michigan State University number 6 in its list of the top 25 volunteer producing universities and colleges throughout the last 20 years. 

In an article posted on Michigan State University’s website, the assistant dean in MSU’s International Studies and Programs Ashley Green reacted to the placement, saying, “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. Through Peace Corps, students are able to leverage their education and bring essential skills to communities around the world.”

The Peace Corps is the preeminent international service organization in the country. The organization sends Americans all around the world to help provide the most pressing needs of the global community. The program started back in 1961, and since then almost 2,500 MSU alumni have served as volunteers abroad. Volunteer operations were suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but have since returned.

In the Fall of 2021, MSU began preparing for the return of in-person Peace Corps volunteering by launching the Peace Corps Prep program. The goal of the program is to empower participants to become exposed to intercultural areas that the Peace Corps has identified as important, while also including hands-on experience and professional development to coursework.

The manager of the MSU Peace Corps Prep program, Joy Campbell, talked about the importance of the program, saying, “This globally focused program enhances students’ undergraduate experience by preparing them for international development work and potential Peace Corps service.”

The Peace Corps has identified four core competencies it says are critical to the intercultural fieldwork performed by its volunteers: Professional conduct and leadership, Intercultural Competence, Foreign Language Proficiency, and sector specific skills. 

Once volunteers finish the Peace Corps Prep program, they will receive a certificate from the Peace Corps, and have a competitive advantage when they go on to apply for Peace Corps service.

This spring semester, Michigan State University celebrated the first group of Peace Corps Prep program graduates.