Peace Corps Prep Program - Information and Highlights
In April 2011, the University of Montana unveiled its new ‘Peace Corps Prep’ program, becoming the third university in the country - and the first U.S. public university - to offer certificates of preparation recognized by the Peace Corps.. UM students can receive (1) a generalist certificate upon completion of coursework for the IDS minor and/or (2) specialist certificates in seven areas of focus that parallel the Peace Corps’ recruiting interests: agriculture and forestry, the environment, human health, education, business and technology, youth and community development, and civic engagement.Both certificates are expected to enhance our students’ competitiveness in the Peace Corps application process.
Regional office manager Janet Allen at the Peace Corps Northwest Regional Office in Seattle reports that “We’re delighted to see the University of Montana leading the way with this new and innovative program. [This] university is already one of our top Peace Corps schools and a valued partner through our Peace Corps Master’s International Program. [The Peace Corps Prep program] provides another opportunity to showcase the commitment to service we continue to see from University of Montana students and alumni.”
That commitment has been a long-standing one at UM. Thirty-three UMalumni currently serve in the Peace Corps. This ranks the university 14th in the nation for current members among medium-sized universities (between 5,000 and 15,000 undergraduates).
In the 50 years since its inception in 1961 by executive order of President John F. Kennedy, 765 UM grads have served in the Peace Corps. Per capita, Missoula leads the nation among metropolitan areas for volunteers serving with the Peace Corps while the state of Montana ranks third in the country.
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News Links: UM News Article - Official Press Release
