Five graduating University of Arkansas students have earned Peace Corps Prep program certificates. Students who complete the program have a competitive advantage when applying for Peace Corps service as they are equipped in training and experience, foreign language proficiency, intercultural competency, and professional leadership development.

The recipients are Kathleen Clements, Jacob Condran, Ashley Miller, Kaylie Shimer and Haley Pyle.

The Graduate School and International Education will celebrate their achievements through a virtual graduation ceremony, to be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 29, via Zoom. The event is open to the public who may register to attend.

About the Students

Kathleen Clements is graduating with a degree in biology and completed the requirements for the health sector. She said the program provided resources to grow cross-cultural experiences. "The Peace Corps Prep program has not only prepared me for a career and volunteer services abroad, but it has encouraged me to serve within my own community," Clements said. "I would recommend it to any student looking to learn from other cultures and gain valuable leadership skills." 

Jacob Condran is graduating with three majors: history, international studies, and political science. He completed the requirements for the education sector in the Peace Corps Prep program. He said the courses and service projects he completed during the PCP program strengthened his intercultural-competence skills and prepared him to enter a classroom abroad. "The PCP Program has helped me tailor my coursework towards developing the background necessary to succeed as a Peace Corps Volunteer," Condran said. He plans to pursue a Peace Corps position in the Education Sector after completion of his education.

Ashley Miller is graduating in the summer, with a major in business management and a minor in international economic development and poultry science. She completed the program requirements for the Community Economic Development sector. "I am incredibly fortunate for the opportunities I've encountered in my time at the University of Arkansas, but my main takeaway from participating in the Peace Corps Prep Program is how rare my experiences are in the wider world," Miller said. "I've only just begun to expand my own horizons, and I can't wait to continue learning and growing while using my education to serve and empower others."

Kaylie Shimer is graduating with a degree in geology and a minor in sustainability. She completed the program requirements for the Environment sector. "The Peace Corp Prep Program at the University has connected me with the resources and people I need to be successful in applying for the Peace corp," Shimer said. "The prep program has prepared me for what is expected of individuals to serve in the Peace crop, giving me the confidence to apply and join the Peace Corps after graduation."

Haley Pyle completed the requirements for the Youth in Development sector and is graduating with a triple major in criminology, sociology, and international studies, and a minor in Child Advocacy. "The Peace Corps Prep program allowed me to delve further into my passion of child advocacy," Pyle said. "By pushing me to gain hands-on experience and training, I was able to gain various certifications and an additional undergraduate certificate."

Students interested in completing the Peace Corps Prep certificate program should contact the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange or visit the PCP website.