Education, Youth Outreach, and Community Development

What do education, youth outreach, and community Volunteers do?

In much of the developing world, access to education is limited. Peace Corps education Volunteers are uniquely positioned to be highly effective community development workers. Through the strong relationships they forge with students, parents, and other community members, Volunteers engage in a wide variety of outreach projects concerning at-risk children or youth, adult literacy, health or HIV/AIDS education, environmental awareness, development of libraries and resource centers, and information technology.

Education is the Peace Corps' largest program area, with volunteer opportunities teaching English, math, or science at all education levels from special education to univerisity. Education Volunteers introduce innovative teaching methodologies; encourage critical thinking in the classroom; and integrate issues like health education and environmental awareness into English, math, science, and other subjects. Many also work in curriculum or materials development and train teachers informally or formally in conversational English, academic subjects, or methodology, thus achieving a truly sustainable impact.

Youth Outreach Volunteers work with at-risk youth ages 10 to 25, helping communities develop programs to assist young people. Projects include vocational training, working with street kids, programs for mentally or physically challenged individuals, self-esteem and leadership development activities, income generation, health education, HIV/AIDS education and awareness, life skills development, community organizing, organizational development, training of youth development workers, and stay-in-school programs.

Community Development volunteers coordinate with other Peace Corps projects by conducting community outreach and needs assessments. They act as catalysts for change and are continually engaged in defining their role in response to their host community. This is the most open and flexible program in the Peace Corps limited only by the creativity of Volunteers and of the people in their communities.

How can you get ready?

If you're interested in volunteering now in the Education, Youth Outreach or Community Development fields, tutoring other students is a great place to get started. Joining a mentoring program for younger kids and volunteering at a community recreation or teen health center are other ways to get involved.

Most Education, Youth Outreach and Community Development Volunteers have work experience with at-risk youth, writing grants, teaching, and counseling. Many applicants have worked as teachers, volunteer coordinators, and with after-school programs. Some Volunteers coached and worked with physically or mentally disabled youth, in arts and music, and with AmeriCorps or the YMCA.

To learn more about the Peace Corps in the education sector, see here.