Community Economic Development Sector

Harness 21^st-century tools to help communities lift themselves. Volunteers work with development banks, nongovernmental organizations, and municipalities to strengthen infrastructure and encourage economic opportunities in communities. They frequently teach in classroom settings and work with entrepreneurs and business owners to develop and market their products. Some Volunteers also teach basic computer skills and help communities take advantage of technologies such as e-commerce, distance learning, and more.

Training and Experience for the Community Economic Development Sector

Leveraging concrete knowledge and skills is central to on-the-ground international development work. Through this PC Prep program, you will begin to build a professional specialty, which should serve your career well whether or not you become a Peace Corps Volunteer.

For PC Prep, you need to complete at least 3 courses that align with a specific work sector (they can but do not need to come from your academic major or minor). You also must accumulate a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer or work experience in that same sector, preferably in a teaching or outreach capacity.

If you choose Community Economic Development, take 3 courses from one of the following areas:

1. Business or Public Administration
2. Non-Profit Management
3. Accounting, Banking or Finance
4. Computer Science and related majors
5. Graphic Design
6. Mass Communications
7. International Business

Recommended courses include (if there is another course in the catalog that you feel meets this requirement, please discuss it with your PC Prep Coordinator):

• ECON 1000: Global Economic Issues
• ENTR 2700: Entrepreneurial Inset
• MKT 4540: International Marketing
• COJO 3190: Cross-Cultural Communication
• COSC 1200: Computer Information System

AND, build 50 hours of related field experience through an activity such as:

• Working with businesses, organizations, or cooperatives in accounting, finance, microfinance, management, project management, budgeting, or marketing
• Starting and running your own business or other entrepreneurial activity
• Training others in computer literacy, maintenance, and repair
• Website design or online marketing
• Founding or leading a community or school-based organization
• Volunteer for the Downtown Laramie Association
• Intern for Wyoming Works
• Participate in the Risher or Elbogen Business/Start Up competitions
• Participate in an alternative spring break specific program

Read the Peace Corps Prep Student Guide for more information or to answer any questions.