Students & Faculty

“It challenged me to be more than I thought I could be. I realized that it is possible to do what I’ve been thinking and dreaming about. It’s not just being idealistic.” - Clare, Theology | International Student

Whatever discipline you study or career you choose, peacebuilding frameworks and skills can enhance your ability to work with others and bring about change with communities. Although the Institute is no longer running programs (effective March 31, 2010), we have some recommendations other off-campus programs for students looking to bring these skills into their repertoire.

Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, Eastern Mennonite University: “The Center for Justice & Peacebuilding (CJP) was founded to further the personal and professional development of individuals as peacebuilders and to strengthen the peacebuilding capacities of the institutions they serve.”

Chicago Center: “Chicago Center equips college students and other participants to learn from diverse urban communities through innovative programs, seminars and internships. The Center expands the traditional classroom with a community-based, first-voice pedagogy that prepares its students for greater self-awareness and global citizenship.”

HECUA: “HECUA is an organization of 18 liberal arts colleges, universities and associations dedicated to education for social justice. Together we shape academically rigorous, study-abroad and off-campus study programs that address the most pressing issues in our neighborhoods, nations and world. This unique educational collaboration engages students, faculty and practitioners in learning that generates knowledge and tools for social transformation and community building. At HECUA we learn by seeing, reflecting and acting with others. HECUA specializes in integrating theory and practice, bringing together key disciplines that equip students to be active citizens and leaders – locally and globally.”

Philadelphia Center: “Since 1967 The Philadelphia Center has helped over 6,000 undergraduates discover their personal and professional direction in life. We have over 800 internships available for almost any major and offer students a variety of programs.

Washington Community Scholar’s Center, Eastern Mennonite University: “WCSC is an opportunity to explore city life and cultural diversity, to build your resume and work experience, to serve the community, and to take a class that sparks your interest or fulfills graduation requirements at an urban university. Students are challenged personally and professionally at the Washington Community Scholars' Center.”

“I continue to see undertones of what I learned during the semester brought out daily as I use my voice for productive dialogue and positive change; much of that I credit to the Institute.” - Taryn, Human Development & Social Relations | Earlham College

For additional resources on the field of peacebuilding, join the Peace and Collaborative Development Network and reference their guides to the field that provide comprehensive information on undergrad and graduate programs, peacebuilding funding sources, gap year programs, international experiences and more.

The peacebuilding approach has value to your future employers: According to research conducted by the Association of American Colleges and Universities in 2007, 63% of employers believe that too many recent college graduates do not have the skills necessary to succeed in the global economy. More than 70% of employers want colleges to place more emphasis on global learning, teamwork skills in diverse groups, written and oral communication, and applied knowledge in real-world settings. A focus on peacebuilding will get you these skills.

Research on peacebuilding careers conducted by Craig Zelizer and Linda Johnston (Skills, Networks, and Knowledge: Developing a Career in International Peace and Conflict Resolution) suggests “the peace and conflict resolution field is currently in a growth stage with an increasing number of positions at all levels and sectors.” Adding peacebuilding skills to a degree in another disciplines is the best way to advance in a peacebuilding career.

“The people I met were unbelievably welcoming and determined to help me grow and change. Peace Institute staff were interesting, inviting, and invested in not only creating, but questioning the ideas of social change.” - Olivia, International Studies and Communication | American University