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Community Economic Development

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.

Ghana

money at a business stall in ghana

Georgia

a pcv working on an income generating business for women in Georgia

Kazakhstan

two women at a stationary shop in Kazakhstan

Tanzania

women standing at a fabric stall in Tanzania

Moldova

a woman in Moldova making raciu outside

Peru

three men standing at newly installed cookstoves for a resturant in Peru

Peru

a team of specialists at a water conservation project in Peru

*Photos courtesy of Peace Corps.

Harness 21st century tools to help communities lift themselves.

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 select the Community Economic Development sector, you will participate in the following training experiences

3 Courses From One of the Following Areas:

  • Business or Public Administration
  • Non-Profit Management
  • Accounting, Banking or Finance
  • Computer Science and related majors
  • Graphic Design
  • Mass Communications
  • International Business

Recommended Courses:

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

*If there is another course in the catalog you feel meets this requirement, please discuss it with your PC Prep Coordinator.

PLUS 50 Hours of Relevant Field Experience Through Activities 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.

Explore the Other Work Sectors

 

agriculture icon

Agriculture

Strengthen Food Security

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Education

Educate, Grow, and Learn Together

environmental icon

Environment

Create a More Sustainable World

 
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Health

Advance Health Equity

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Youth in Development

Empower the Next Generation

 

Contact Us

Peace Corps Prep Program
222 Knight Hall Dept. 3195
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2398
Email: bdespain@uwyo.edu