Youth Development Educator

Help shape the next generation of leaders in the Dominican Republic by strengthening their confidence and equipping them with essential life skills.

Because many young people in the Dominican Republic lack access to quality education, they face significant challenges, including high teen pregnancy and child marriage rates, youth unemployment near 30%, low high school attendance, and limited parental involvement. Although the government is working to improve education quality and access, life skills and positive youth development remain underprioritized. As long-term reforms advance, communities continue to need direct, sustained support to help youth overcome social, educational, and economic barriers.

As a Youth Development Educator, you will help create safe, supportive spaces where youth build self-esteem, develop employability and life skills, and access age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health education. Your efforts will encourage healthier decision-making, strengthen relationships with trusted adults, and promote better school participation and retention. Over time, you’ll help cultivate informed, confident, and civically engaged young adults.

Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
OR
Bachelor's degree in any field.
OR
High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time, post-high school work (from any combination of roles).

Volunteers will live with a host family for the first two months at their assigned site to support language learning and integration. While you may transition to independent housing afterward, availability is not guaranteed and living conditions vary widely. Homes may lack running water, reliable electricity, or consistent cell service, but these conditions offer opportunities to experience authentic Dominican culture and build resilience.

Advance your Spanish fluency through immersive, day‑to‑day communication in real‑world school and community settings.
Gain experience designing and implementing youth programs—skills that will directly support any career.
Form meaningful connections while experiencing Dominican culture firsthand.

Strengthen life skills education and promote healthy decision-making.
Teach classroom lessons on age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health.
Guide youth in developing self‑esteem, intentional life planning, and healthy relationship skills.
Plan and facilitate youth clubs that promote employability skills to strengthen life skills, build employability competencies, and expand future job opportunities.
Support youth in developing basic employability skills in response to high unemployment rates.
Lead youth camps and regional conferences that encourage goal-setting, civic engagement, and positive youth development.
Mentor youth on life planning, career exploration, and English proficiency.
Partner with community organizations, parents, and schools to strengthen communication and collaboration.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as a supporting after-school sports clubs or expanding a school library.

As a Youth Development Educator, you will be trained on designing and implementing effective youth camps and clubs, delivering employability skills workshops, and teaching healthy lifestyle practices. Peace Corps/Dominican Republic will teach you Spanish to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community. You will also receive language resources and learn to continue your language learning during service, and you may have the opportunity to learn Haitian Creole.

After 9 weeks of training, you will move to a rural or peri-urban community where you will collaborate with public school staff and educators. You will work with the community to assess the learning needs and develop solutions based on community-driven priorities.