Peace Corps Prep Program

Breadcrumb

The Peace Corps (PC) Prep program helps prepare students for international service and development careers by uniting Whittier College coursework with practical, leadership, and community service experiences.

A student wishing to participate in the PC Prep program will work with program coordinators and a faculty advisor to pair selected courses with leadership and community service. The program is open to all Whittier College students of any major. When students graduate, they will receive an official Certificate of Completion from the Peace Corps, giving them a competitive edge when applying to be a Peace Corps volunteer or for other international development work. Whittier College is the only private, liberal arts college in California offering this unique program through an official partnership with the Peace Corps.

Benefits

As a participant in the Whittier College PC Prep Program, students will build four competencies the Peace Corps identifies as critical for work in international service and development careers: foreign language proficiency, intercultural competence, and professional and leadership development. Students will also gain experience in one of the following work sectors:

  • Agriculture 
  • Community Economic Development 
  • Education 
  • Environment 
  • Health 
  • Youth in Development

Application Steps

Students must apply to the PC Prep program. Once admitted, their participation will span two or more years before graduation. For more information, please set-up a meeting with a PC Prep program faculty or staff coordinator by emailing careercenter@whittier.edu

You may also connect directly with a Peace Corps recruiter to learn more about the PC Prep Program and other opportunities with the Peace Corps.