Local Colleges and Universities continue producing Large Numbers of Peace Corps Volunteers

Once again, local colleges and universities showed alumni commitment to global volunteerism by making impressive showings on lists of top volunteer-producing institutions recently announced by the Peace Corps in its 2013 Annual College Rankings.

“Every year, graduates of colleges and universities across the United States are making a difference in communities overseas through Peace Corps service,” said Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet. “As a result of the fine education they receive, college graduates are well prepared for the challenge of international service. They become leaders in their host communities and carry the spirit of service and leadership back with them when they return home.”

With 21 undergraduate alumni currently serving around the world, the University of Mary Washington came in third among "small" schools, retaining a place among top volunteer producers for the tenth consecutive year. In all, 230 Mary Washington alumni have served the 27-month commitment around the world since the Peace Corps’ inception in 1961.

Joining the list of high achieving small schools, St. Mary’s College of Maryland came in 8th with 16 former students serving across the globe.

This year American (55) topped George Washington (53) in the medium college and university category, closely followed by Georgetown (31), the College of William & Mary (30), and JohnsHopkins University (22), which moved up this year from the category of small schools.

And both the University of Virginia (55) and the University of Maryland (53) appeared on the list of top volunteer-producing “large” universities enrolling 15,000 or more students.

Celebrating over 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world, more than 210,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps in 139 host countries. Today, 8,073 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 countries.

Although a college degree is not mandatory for service, relevant experience in areas such as education, health, business, environment or agriculture is required.

The Peace Corps’ nine regional offices located across the US recruit and provide information and guidance to prospective volunteers including current undergrads. Potential applicants can connect with local recruiters by visiting the Peace Corps website.