Community college graduates can qualify as Peace Corps volunteers
Community college graduates can qualify as Peace Corps volunteers
By Cindy Buxton
A collaboration has recently been initiated between the Peace Corps and the Colorado Community College system.
Officials from the Peace Corps feel community college students are an untapped resource for them and have asked colleges to help provide information to students.
The Peace Corps is currently working with community colleges to allow graduates with associate degrees to volunteer, especially graduates with training in a specific trade or skill. Volunteers with associate degrees in forestry, natural resources, horticulture, animal science, industrial arts, technical education, business and nursing can qualify.
Individuals without degrees can also qualify for service if they have experience in farming, farm management, agribusiness, general construction, carpentry, welding, business management, and counseling experience with at-risk youth.
Jennifer Weimer, transfer coordinator at Lamar Community College and a former Peace Corps volunteer, says that there is often a misconception about the Peace Corps. She says the Peace Corps is not a religious, anti-war or political organization, and that volunteers are urged not to discuss religious or political views. It is a federally funded organization. Peace Corps volunteers are sent only to countries who have specifically asked for assistance, and in addition to providing assistance they integrate themselves into the communities where they live and share their culture.
There are currently 7,000 volunteers in service, and more than 175,000 volunteers have served since 1960. Peace Corps volunteers serve in over 70 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. The Peace Corps shares America's most precious resource, its people.
Peace Corps volunteers work in villages, towns, and cities around the world. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and U.S. citizens. There is no upper age limit for volunteers.
The mission of the Peace Corps is to promote world peace and friendship through helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women, helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the people serves, and helping promote a better understanding of other people on the part of Americans.
The Peace Corps began in 1960 when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country by living and working in developing countries. It has grown into a federal government agency devoted to world peace and friendship. In response to a challenge from President George W. Bush, the Peace Corps plans to double the number of volunteers by 2007.
The Peace Corps offers interested individuals incentives such as paid travel, medical/dental benefits, a monthly living allowance, language training, $6,000 upon completion, and in some cases loan forgiveness or deferral.
Anyone interested in applying for volunteer service with the Peace Corps should visit the organization's web site at www.peacecorps.gov or call 1-800-424-8580.
