2022 Peace Corps Prep Program Initiatives
By Dawn Lipperd
Since the 2022-23 Academic Year has been IU’s first full-year transition back into primarily in-person learning, some programs - like the Peace Corps Prep (PCP) - got off to a slow start. But it picked up steam as the semester progressed, concluding the Fall term quite fruitfully. We had our first info session with several new members joining the program with much enthusiasm. Dawn Lipperd, our outreach coordinator, has consulted several prospective students, encouraging them to join the program and get a head start on international involvement and experience. This semester’s events demonstrated continued students' interest in experiencing international opportunities and their determination to change the world for the better. Most of our internship experiences related to Peace Corps sectors were posted and several students in the program completed many volunteer hours during the semester.
The PCP’s first info session of 2022 took place on October 13. The info session gave prospective students an opportunity to talk with current PCP students and leadership, asking questions about the program and upcoming application deadline. Interest in the PCP program is high. In fact, many students have reached out individually to our program coordinators and have discussed potential opportunities at in-person events that were held throughout the semester. Another info session will be held in March 2023, in advance of the April 1 Spring application deadline.
This year the PCP Program has alongside the IU Peace Corps recruiter, Vicki Runion. We’ve tabled several events together and answered pressing student questions. In the beginning of the Fall semester,, the PCP and Peace Corps coordinator jointly tabled the IU Arts and Sciences Expo. Later in the term, we gathered in the Global Center atrium to greet students and talk about their potential future with the Peace Corps and the Prep program. Lastly, the Peace Corps Meat and Greet held in December gave students an opportunity to connect with returned volunteers, listen to their experiences, and discuss different international projects and opportunities available through Peace Corps service.