Beginning this fall, students at Fontbonne University can work toward a unique goal — preparation for and application to the Peace Corps. Now as an official Peace Corps Prep Program partner, Fontbonne offers the only prep program in the St. Louis region.
“At Fontbonne University, we believe that service to the world requires critical thinking and equitable inclusion,” said Dr. Corinne Wohlford, associate dean of academic affairs and director of the prep program. “Since our founding, we have been committed to educating students as leaders who ‘think critically, act ethically and serve responsibly.’ These ideals align with those of the Peace Corps.”
Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps immerses American volunteers into communities around the world, tackling long-term local and global challenges.
The prep program is open to all undergraduate students in good standing. Eligible participants choose to focus on one of six different sectors of Peace Corps service: agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health or youth in development. Throughout their time at Fontbonne, they’ll build core competencies through coursework, hands-on experience and professional development support, completing at least three courses and 50 hours of related experience in their chosen sector. Once they have completed these requirements, they’ll have relevant, demonstrated experience, indicating readiness for the Peace Corps or other global initatives.
Fontbonne’s Peace Corps Prep Program kicks off this fall, with a launch party scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, from 4 – 6 p.m. All interested students are welcome to attend, learn more about the program, and hear more from active Peace Corps members and alumni. The event will take place in the AMC (Medaille Hall).
Additional informational sessions will take place Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 3:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m., both in the AMC.
Program information, requirements and an application timeline are available online. Contact Sadie Weiss, Peace Corps Prep Program coordinator, with questions at sweiss@fontbonne.edu or 314-719-3681.
Learn more about Fontbonne University’s Peace Corps Prep Program.