MURRAY, Ky. -- Murray State University has announced a new partnership with the Peace Corps that will offer students a unique combination of undergraduate coursework and community service that prepares them for an international career. Murray State is the first academic institution in the state of Kentucky to offer the Peace Corps Prep program.
Although completion of the program does not guarantee acceptance nor require a commitment into the Peace Corps, the program will help Murray State graduates build on key competencies that the Peace Corps looks for in their applicants. Students will be able to apply for enrollment to the new Peace Corps Prep program beginning in the Fall 2016 semester. The program is open to all Murray State undergraduate students with any major and pairs selected courses with leadership and community service opportunities.
Students interested in participating in the Peace Corps Prep Program are required to meet with the program coordinator. An application process for students will be reviewed by the Peace Corps Prep advisory board. Applicants are asked to articulate their personal goals that will lead to the completion of preparation courses, foreign language skills, intercultural competence, and examples of leadership development.
"Empowering personal, community and global change through experiential learning, outreach and international learning opportunities is central to both the Murray State University experience and Peace Corps Prep," said Dr. Renae Duncan, Murray State University acting provost and vice president for academic affairs. "Therefore, bringing Peace Corps Prep to Murray State is a win for the University, our students, and our community."
"Students today have a passion for service and are interested in not just imagining a better world, but rolling up their sleeves and doing something about it," said Carrie Hessler-Radelet, Peace Corps director. "Through the Peace Corps Prep program, students at Murray State University can develop skills specifically targeted to Peace Corps service and careers in the international development and service communities."
More than 25 leading academic institutions nationwide offer Peace Corps Prep programs. Established in 2007, the program aims to support schools' efforts to provide substantive, globally focused experiences for their students.
"Because we consider internationalization and experiential learning to be central to our university culture, we believe that the experiences of students working toward earning the Peace Corps Prep certificate will help them grow as people while also helping them learn the powerful impact they can have on both local and international communities," said Duncan.
"Students who successfully complete the Peace Corps program will not only position themselves for an international service career, but will be assisted greatly in terms of both personal and professional development," said Katie Mantooth, internship coordinator with Murray State University Career Services.
For more information on Murray State's new Peace Corps Prep program, please call (270) 809-3744 or email rduncan@murraystate.edu.
About Murray State University: Murray State University provides an "Opportunity Afforded" for nearly 11,000 students through a high-quality education with experiential learning, academic and personal growth and the ability to secure a lifetime of success. Since 1922, the true value of higher education has been found at Murray State University, where our commitment is to afford endless opportunities for developing leaders in the community, the country and the world. The University's main campus is located in Murray, Ky. and includes five regional campuses. For more information on Murray State University, please visit
murraystate.edu.
About the Peace Corps: The Peace Corps sends the best and brightest Americans abroad on behalf of the United States to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Volunteers work at the grassroots level to develop sustainable solutions that address challenges in education, health, economic development, agriculture, the environment and youth development. Through their service, volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a lifelong commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, nearly 220,000 Americans of all ages have served in 140 countries worldwide. Additional information is available at
peacecorps.gov.
