USF World News

The University of South Florida Ranks #2 Nationally for Undergraduate Students Earning the Peace Corps Prep Certificate

Tampa, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2020) -- The University of South Florida 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 University of South Florida 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’s 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, “recognition 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.”

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

“Partner 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,” says Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen. “Prep-certified Volunteers arrive in their communities possessing valuable leadership skills and intercultural savvy—necessary building blocks to achieving lasting impact. We applaud our educational partners for their dynamic role in our Volunteers’ success.”

The Peace Corps Prep program aligns with the strategic goals of University of South Florida and its efforts to provide students with high-quality global experiences—on 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. “Peace Corps Prep is a critical asset to students seeking to solve today’s grand challenges” notes Dr. Alexxis Avalon, Peace Corps Prep Coordinator in USF World. “USF is extremely proud of our global citizens who contribute to the betterment of society through their service in the Peace Corps and beyond.”

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.