Hiram – Hiram College is one of only six institutions nationwide recently accepted into the Peace Corps Prep Program. The collaboration offers students a unique combination of undergraduate coursework and community service that prepares them for work in international development. In addition to gaining skills and experience which will make them competitive Peace Corps applicants, students also earn a minor in international studies from Hiram College. Students pursuing a major in any discipline may apply for the program.
Established in 2007, the program seeks to develop a pipeline of highly-qualified Peace Corps applicants. Each institution independently designs its program on specified criteria that reflects the Peace Corps interdisciplinary approach. A typical prep program consists of two years of coursework with a focus on international development, an internship or volunteer experience, and foreign language study.
Offered through Hiram’s Center for Global Interaction, the Peace Corps Prep program was a natural fit at Hiram, according to Center Director Lisa Safford, a professor of art.
“So much of what the Peace Corps was looking for in partners was already here at Hiram,” said Safford. “The breadth and depth of our liberal arts curriculum, our history of study abroad and our strongly-held belief in the value of service made our program very attractive to the Peace Corps. This honor from the Peace Corps is a third-party endorsement of the fact that our graduates leave Hiram ready to be leaders anywhere in the world.”
Hiram’s entry into the Peace Corps Prep Program increased the number of participating institutions to 14 across the country. Hiram is one of only three Ohio institutions to be honored with inclusion in the highly selective program.
“This program is a wonderful example of our growing efforts to foster stronger collaboration with colleges and universities to prepare civic-minded students for international service,” said Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet.
Those interested in the Peace Corps Prep Program at Hiram College should call 1- 800-362-5280.
