Start date
September 15, 2025

End date
December 22, 2025

Duration
14 weeks

ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Activity/project background

The partner university is a leading higher education institution offering programs in engineering, IT, economics, psychology, and management. With a strong commitment to innovation and international collaboration, the university supports student development both academically and through extracurricular initiatives. Students from various regions of Ukraine study at the university, where faculty aim to prepare them for leadership roles in their professions and communities.

The Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) will collaborate with university staff to design and implement an extracurricular student club focused on leadership development, professional communication, and civic engagement. The club will explore topics such as leadership styles, strategic thinking, public speaking, teamwork, conflict resolution, and community service. Students will build essential communication and interpersonal skills through interactive activities, discussions, and project-based learning.

The club will empower university students (ages 17–23) to become active, responsible citizens, and future leaders equipped to rebuild and transform their communities. Their leadership, creativity, and commitment will be vital to building a peaceful, sustainable, and forward-looking Ukraine.

The partner university has not previously collaborated with the Peace Corps. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.

Engagement and tasks

The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:

• Co-assess current skills and priorities of student members
• Co-design the virtual club curriculum with a focus on communication and leadership skills
• Co-facilitate a weekly 1-hour virtual club meeting for at least 20 students
• Co-host some cultural events devoted to American holidays and historical events
• Attend a weekly meeting with the Ukrainian counterpart for feedback and discussion
  
  

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5-15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 5 hours per week.

Online collaboration will generally occur between 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Kyiv, Ukraine time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The Host Country Counterpart will have access to email, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram for regular communication and collaboration.

Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0-18), two adults must be present.

Optional Additional Activities

The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:

• To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
• To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
• To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
  
  

Goal 1 will be achieved through the VSPP's engagement and completion of the above tasks. The counterpart and VSPP may also choose to identify an activity that aligns with Goal 2. Additionally, the VSPP may identify a Goal 3 activity to implement during their engagement. See recommendations and tools for Goal 3 activities.

Essential Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in any field

Experience:

• 1 year working with youth in some capacity, such as a teacher, counselor, mentor, coach, or volunteer
• 1 year training and facilitation
  
  

Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually