Harness 21st-century tools to help communities lift themselves. Volunteers work with development banks, nongovernmental organizations, and municipalities to strengthen infrastructure and encourage economic opportunities in communities. They frequently teach in classroom settings and work with entrepreneurs and business owners to develop and market their products. Some Volunteers also teach basic computer skills and help communities take advantage of technologies such as e-commerce, distance learning, and more.

If you choose Community Economic Dev., take three courses from one of the following areas:

• Accounting
• Economics
• Communication
• Business
• Political Science
• Sociology

Recommended courses:

• BIO 3035: Economic Botany
• ECN 2800G: Economics of Social Issues
• ECN 3810: Economics of Natural Resources
• ECN 3860: International Trade
• ECN 3875: Health Economics
• ECN 3890: Labor Economics
• GEO 3600: Economic Geography
• GEO 3780: Land Use Planning
• GEO 3775: Urban Geography
• GEO 3620: Geography of Tourism
• PLS 3623: Civic & Nonprofit Management
• PLS 4793: Civic & Nonprofit Leadership
• PLS 4983: Budgeting in Government & Nonprofits
• PSY 3530: Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• SOC 3660: Social Organizations
• SOC 4000: Work & Occupations

And build 50 hours of related field experience through an activity such as:

• Working with businesses, organizations, or cooperatives in accounting, finance, microfinance, management, project management, budgeting, or marketing
• Starting and running your own business or other entrepreneurial activity
• Training others in computer literacy, maintenance, and repair
• Website design or online marketing
• Founding or leading a community- or school-based organization
• Joining the EIU Entrepreneurship Club
• Volunteer or Work at the Charleston Public Library
• Volunteer at Charleston CAN or Mattoon in Motion
• Volunteer at the Charleston Chamber of Commerce