The University of Central Missouri is proud to partner with the United States Peace Corps to offer the Peace Corps Prep Program. This program is open to all undergraduates at UCM, regardless of major. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a signed Certificate from the Peace Corps. While certification does not guarantee acceptance into the Peace Corps, it does give students a competitive advantage when they apply. Even if applicants do not become a Peace Corps Volunteer, employers will see the Peace Corps Prep Certificate as concrete evidence of an individual鈥檚 commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement.
Peace Corps Volunteers serve for two years after they have received three months of in-country training. Volunteers collaborate with local governments, schools, communities, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to create sustainable, community-based projects that address the complex needs of the local community.
The mission of the Peace Corps is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals: 1) to help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women; 2) to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served; and 3) to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
Through their service in countries around the world, Peace Corps Volunteers not only help communities address local needs, but Volunteers return home as global citizens with new perspectives. They have cross-cultural, leadership, language, teaching, and community development skills that give them a competitive edge for advanced education and job opportunities in today鈥檚 global economy. Many companies, non-profits, and federal agencies actively recruit Returned Peace Corps Volunteers as employees.
The Peace Corps seeks volunteers to serve in six main areas: Education, Health, Environment, Agriculture, Youth in Development, and Community Economic Development.
To help students qualify for Peace Corps service, the Peace Corps Prep Program at UCM emphasizes the following academic, interpersonal, and leadership skills that are established by the U.S. Peace Corps:
Dr. Greg Streich
Professor, Political Science
203 Wood Hall
Tel: (660)543-8948