UF is top producer of Peace Corps volunteers

January 13, 2009

Atlanta, GA — This year, the University of Florida is again ranked No.1 among more than 100 undergraduate schools producing Peace Corps volunteers in the Southeast Region. With 53 alumni currently serving overseas, the university also ranks 15th nationally among all colleges and universities in the United States.

“The University of Florida continues to be a strong advocate of national service and in particular, encouraging its student body to serve in the Peace Corps”, said Ken Ayers, Peace Corps Southeast Regional Manager. “We are very impressed by the large turnouts at our UF campus events and the number of qualified students who apply throughout the year.”

Since the Peace Corps’ inception in 1961, 1010 alumni have joined the ranks, making the University of Florida the Peace Corps’ No.1 regional all-time producer of volunteers in a population of nearly 1,000 colleges and universities located in the Southeast. The Southeast Region is comprised of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and the Caribbean.

Peace Corps is especially attracted to the University of Florida because many of its undergraduates fill assignments in scarce skill areas where it is traditionally difficult to find qualified applicants. These areas include agriculture, forestry, environmental science, French and the teaching of English.

In a national ranking of overall numbers of Peace Corps Volunteers by state, the state of Florida placed 11th, with 246 volunteers from this state currently serving. Over 6,632 volunteers from Florida have served since the Peace Corps’ inception in 1961.

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, over 195,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served. Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased 16 percent this past year, the largest boost in the last five years. Currently, 7,876 Peace Corps Volunteers are serving in 76 countries. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit our website: www.peacecorps.gov.

To learn more about the Peace Corps experience and to get the latest updates on all available Peace Corps assignments around the globe, visit www.peacecorps.gov/events to obtain information on upcoming events in your area or contact the UF campus representative, Amy Panikowski, 170 HUB, 352.273.1530, Email: peacecorps@ufic.ufl.edu; Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.