In a significant advancement for global service opportunities, Millsaps College was recently named a partner school for the United States Peace Corps Prep Program. This prestigious designation makes Millsaps one of only two institutions in Mississippi to offer the program, joining 143 other universities nationwide in preparing students for international service.
The Peace Corps Prep Program, which officially launches in February with recruitment beginning this August, provides undergraduate students with specialized preparation that significantly enhances their prospects for Peace Corps acceptance.
According to Marie Vanderford, who oversees the program through the Millsaps Office of International Education, one of the first questions on the Peace Corps application asks if the applicant has completed a PC Prep Program—answering “yes” substantially improves acceptance chances.
“As someone who served in the Peace Corps in Armenia, I’m incredibly passionate about helping students reach their dreams of international service,” Vanderford said. “I’ve experienced firsthand how transformative this kind of service can be, both for career development and personal growth. That’s why I’m so excited to bring this program to Millsaps students.”
Marie teaching English during her Peace Corps tour in Armenia.
The PC Prep Program focuses on four essential elements: training and experience in a work sector, foreign language skills, intercultural competence and professional and leadership development. Students who complete the requirements will receive a certificate and be recognized in an annual ceremony, on the college website and through social media features.
“Students who complete the program know they’re well-prepared compared to those who haven’t,” Vanderford explained. “The beauty of this program is that it largely consists of activities most Millsaps students are already doing. We didn’t create new curriculum—we’re simply packaging existing opportunities in a way that provides formal recognition and preparation.”
Participants will specialize in one of the Peace Corps’ six sectors: education, health, environment, agriculture, youth in development or community economic development. Vanderford will work with students to identify which sector aligns best with their interests and academic focus.
“In an ideal scenario, students aren’t doing anything they wouldn’t already be doing,” Vanderford notes. “It’s all part of their regular college experience at Millsaps, just organized with a specific focus on Peace Corps preparation.”
The new partnership builds upon Millsaps’ existing success with the Peace Corps. The college already has multiple students accepted into the program, including senior Candise McDonald, a biology and philosophy major from Jacksonville, Arkansas.
Candise enjoying her study abroad trip to Spain.
McDonald became interested in the Peace Corps after meeting a representative at a career fair. “I was already interested in traveling and wanted to serve others,” she explained. “I noticed that a lot of the qualities and values the Peace Corps had matched mine.”
Her Millsaps experience played a crucial role in preparing her for international service. “Millsaps offers a lot of opportunities and avenues to students,” McDonald said. “Especially with how supportive my peers, the faculty and the administration are—everybody wants you to go forward and help you grow.”
McDonald credits several professors, including Dr. Drummond and Dr. Selman, for fostering her interest in international service. She particularly valued a class trip to Mexico, where students could see firsthand the sites they had studied. McDonald’s study abroad experience in Spain with Dr. Drummond further reinforced her desire to explore beyond U.S. borders.
“My study abroad experience in Spain was transformative,” McDonald shared. “It opened my eyes to new perspectives and cultures, and really solidified my desire to expand my horizons through international service.”
Through various internships—including biomedical research, a women’s legislative fellowship, and a public health position at UMMC’s Myrlie Evers clinic—McDonald developed the diverse skill set sought by the Peace Corps.
While she wasn’t part of the Peace Corps Prep Program, she believes it would have been helpful during her time at Millsaps. “I’m more appreciative that this is a resource for the people who come after me,” she noted.
Her advice to students considering the Peace Corps, especially with the new Prep Program available: “Be willing to expand your horizons. After talking to people who have been in the Peace Corps, they tell me there’s a lot of growing during that time. Be as open-minded as you can—it will prepare you for anything to come.”
Founded by President John F. Kennedy in the 1960s, the Peace Corps aims to foster peaceful international relationships through service. Peace Corps volunteers commit to 27 months—including training and service—working 20 hours weekly in communities that have specifically requested assistance. The program operates on principles of mutual respect and cooperation, with host countries selecting which sectors they need support in.
The program comes at an opportune time, as gap years become increasingly popular among recent graduates. “We’re seeing a major trend of students taking time before entering the workforce,” Vanderford pointed out. “The Peace Corps offers a structured, meaningful experience during this transitional period.”
While completing the program doesn’t obligate students to join the Peace Corps, it creates exceptional preparation for those who choose this path. For others, the intercultural competence, language skills and professional development gained will prove valuable across most career fields.
With this new partnership, Millsaps continues its commitment to preparing globally-minded citizens ready to contribute meaningfully in an interconnected world.