The Peace Corps Prep certificate program is an official partnership between the Peace Corps and Mississippi Valley State University. As a Peace Corps Prep student, you will gain specialized training and experience, foreign language skills, intercultural competence, and leadership skills, preparing you for international development and service opportunities, including in the U.S. Peace Corps. Undergraduates from any major are encouraged to apply!
What is the Peace Corps Prep Certificate?
Peace Corps Prep Certificate provides students with additional knowledge, experience, skills, and mentors in four core competencies listed below that are critical to international development fieldwork and potential Peace Corps Services. The Peace Corps Prep program creates frameworks for you to build these four competencies by integrating your coursework with hands-on experience and professional development.
- Sector-specific skills
- Foreign language proficiency
- Intercultural competence
- Professional savvy and leadership
Upon completing the program, you will receive a certificate from the Peace Corps - and a competitive edge when applying for Peace Corps service.
Eligibility and Deadlines
- All current undergraduate students (freshman through seniors) are eligible to apply to participate in the Peace Corps Prep certificate program.
- The Peace Corps Prep program at Mississippi Valley State University has a rolling admissions process. You can apply to join the program throughout the academic year.
Peace Corps Prep Certificate Roadmap
- Step 1: Apply for the Peace Corps Prep Program
- Step 2: Complete coursework and other requirements
- Step 3: Complete the Exit Checklist and Release of Information Form
- Step 4: Receive your official certificate from the Peace Corps!
How to Apply?
- Read through the Peace Corps Prep Student Guide.
- Contact the Peace Corps Prep Coordinator (Email: pcprep@mvsu.edu) or attend an information session to learn more about the program requirements. This is an opportunity to ask any questions and help you decide which sector may be right for you.
- Complete the Peace Corps Prep Application (Link to PC Prep Application).
- Once your Peace Corps Prep Student Plan has been reviewed and submitted to the Peace Corps Prep Coordinator at MVSU, you will be officially welcomed to the program!
Forms and Student Guide
- Student Guide: Use this guide to map out your Peace Corps Prep course of study. In particular, refer to this when completing your PC Prep application, where you must document how you plan to fulfil each requirement. This guide aligns point-by-point with each section of the application
- Peace Corps Prep Student Application: Complete the PC Prep application and email it to the PC Prep Coordinator.
- Exit Checklist: This checklist will map your progress in completing PC prep requirements.
- Release of Information Form: This form authorizes Mississippi Valley State University Peace Corps Preparatory to release information on a regular basis to the Peace Corps, including details about the participants in this program and other relevant data that help the Peace Corps evaluate the effectiveness of PC Prep.
Program Sectors
When you serve in the Peace Corps, you will work side by side with members of the community on locally prioritized projects to build relationships and create positive change. There are six sectors and countless ways you can work together with communities. Choose one sector to focus on, then complete at least 3 courses + 50 hours of related experience in that sector.
- Education – Educate, Grow, and Learn Together: Support student learning in English, literacy, math, and science by working with schools, communities, and parents.
- Health – Advance Health Equity: Work with community partners to promote healthy behaviors, maternal and child health, and HIV education/prevention.
- Environment – Create A More Sustainable World: Strengthen efforts to protect natural resources, promote understanding of the impact of climate change, and more.
- Agriculture - Strengthen Food Security: Work with farmers to support programs in food security and resilient and sustainable livelihoods.
- Youth In Development – Empower The Next Generation: Increase youth community engagement and strengthen leadership, life, and employability skills.
- Community Economic Development – Promote Local Economic Opportunities: Strengthen household economic security and community-led development efforts.