Start date
September 14, 2026

End date
December 27, 2026

Duration
15 weeks

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

Activity/project background

Five lyceums in Ukraine seek the support of one Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) each to co-develop after-school clubs that equip students with the life skills and knowledge needed for resilient conflict resolution, goal setting, decision-making and communication. The lyceums aim to establish after-school clubs that provide a safe and supportive learning environment where students can build confidence, enhance teamwork, unlock leadership potential, and improve collaboration. Under the VSPPs’ guidance, students will engage in practical exercises and collaborative projects designed to strengthen their communication skills, including self-presentation, problem-solving abilities, decision-making, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and adaptability.

The clubs will equip students from grades 8–11 (aged 13–17) with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become effective, competitive youth and community changemakers, whose involvement and leadership will be essential to create a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for post-war Ukraine. Club topics may include the following: building a clear sense of direction, integrating technology and innovation, and supporting service-learning projects. Students will also learn communication skills and techniques for effective leadership, such as active listening, providing feedback, and overcoming communication barriers.

The organizations have previously collaborated with the Peace Corps through the Virtual Service Pilot. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a Peace Corps Volunteer or Peace Corps Response 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 club members
• Co-design the virtual after-school club curriculum with a focus on communication and life skills
• Co-develop 13 session plans for virtual club meetings
• Co-facilitate a 1-hour weekly virtual club meeting for groups of 15–20 students (aged 13–17)
• Co-host cultural events devoted to American and Ukrainian holidays or historical events
• Attend a weekly meeting with the Ukrainian counterparts for feedback and planning
  
  

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

Online collaboration will generally occur between 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Kyiv time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The host country counterpart will have access to Zoom, Telegram, WhatsApp, and email 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:

• Working with youth, aged 13–17, in some capacity, such as a teacher, counselor, mentor, coach, or volunteer
• Facilitating virtual educational sessions
  
  

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