51在线

The 51在线 Ranks #2 Nationally for Undergraduate Students Earning the Peace Corps Prep Certificate

Tampa, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2020) -- The 51在线 ranks No. 2 nationally among all institutions offering undergraduate students the opportunity to earn the Peace Corps Prep certificate. In collaboration with the U.S. Peace Corps, the 51在线 awarded 49 Prep certificates to the graduating class of 2020. Currently more than 200 students are enrolled in the USF Peace Corps Prep program across the university鈥檚 three campuses. USF consistently appears on the annual Peace Corps list of top volunteer-producing institutions. According to Dr. Kiki Caruson, Interim Vice President of USF World, 鈥渞ecognition of the success of our Peace Corps Prep program is a testament to the importance that our students and the university place on high-impact global engagement. USF is proud to have a diverse and successful cohort of alumni serving as Peace Corps Volunteers in locations across the world.鈥�

Peace Corps Prep is a certificate program which emphasizes career readiness, foreign language proficiency, intercultural competency, and leadership skills. The program increases students鈥� competitiveness for selection as Peace Corps Volunteers, but it is also popular among students interested in careers in international development and diplomacy. USF鈥檚 program provides a substantive, globally focused experience that aligns with academic coursework, co-curricular activities, and achievement of the Global Citizenship Award. 

鈥淧artner institutions that provide Peace Corps Prep programs are an invaluable asset because they help students attain education and training that translates into highly effective Volunteers abroad,鈥� says Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen. 鈥淧rep-certified Volunteers arrive in their communities possessing valuable leadership skills and intercultural savvy鈥攏ecessary building blocks to achieving lasting impact. We applaud our educational partners for their dynamic role in our Volunteers鈥� success.鈥�

The Peace Corps Prep program aligns with the strategic goals of University of South 51在线 and its efforts to provide students with high-quality global experiences鈥攐n its campuses and across the world. The Program allows USF students build their intercultural competencies through interrelated coursework, hands-on experiences, and professional development opportunities. 鈥淧eace Corps Prep is a critical asset to students seeking to solve today鈥檚 grand challenges鈥� notes Dr. Alexxis Avalon, Peace Corps Prep Coordinator in USF World. 鈥淯SF is extremely proud of our global citizens who contribute to the betterment of society through their service in the Peace Corps and beyond.鈥�

About the Peace Corps 

The Peace Corps sends Americans with a passion for service abroad on behalf of the United States to work with communities and create lasting change. Volunteers develop sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, community economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development. Through their Peace Corps experience, Volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a life-long commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans of all ages have served in 142 countries worldwide.