Youth Development Educator

Special benefits

• Extensive language, technical, and intercultural training
• Hands-on, valuable international work experience
• Travel to and from country, housing and monthly living allowance, and full coverage of medical and dental needs during service

• Competitive advantage for federal hiring and opportunities to save on graduate degrees and other education programs
• Monthly accrued Volunteer service award (readjustment allowance) totaling $10,800 before taxes, with option to access for ongoing financial obligations

Key dates

Apply by
January 15, 2027

Know by
April 1, 2027

Depart on
August 30, 2027

Duration
2 years, plus 3 months training

About the project

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.

Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Dominican Republic project page .

Requirements

Behavioral competencies

These competencies are essential for all service assignments and are assessed in the application and interview process:

1. Motivation for and commitment to service
2. Adaptability and open-mindedness
3. Problem solving and resourcefulness
4. Behavioral maturity and professionalism

Education/experience

Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:

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).
Spanish language

Qualified candidates will meet one of the following criteria:

1. High school: Completed 4 years of Spanish coursework within the past 8 years
2. College: Completed Spanish Elementary II (e.g., 102, 1002) in the semester system (Elementary III in quarter system) within the past 6 years
3. College Level Examination Program (CLEP): Score 50-62 on the Spanish exam in the past 6 years
4. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL): Score of Novice-High or Intermediate-Low on official Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in Spanish within the past 6 years
5. Native Spanish speaker