WASHINGTON, D.C. – UCSC has earned a spot on the Peace Corps’ annual list of “Top Colleges and Universities."
With 61 alumni currently serving as Peace Corps volunteers, UC Santa Cruz ranks 24th among all large universities in the nation. Last year, UC Santa Cruz ranked sixth in the medium school category, but a slight increase in enrollment moved the school into the large schools grouping. So far, a total of 744 UC Santa Cruz alumni have served in the Peace Corps.
"Colleges and universities prepare thousands of talented undergraduate and graduate alumni for Peace Corps service every year," said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams (Dominican Republic, 1967-1970). "These alumni go on to serve as Peace Corps volunteers, applying the skills and knowledge they acquired during their studies to promote world peace and friendship and improve the lives of people around the world. I would like to extend my gratitude to all colleges and universities for their continued support of the Peace Corps and public service."
Arielle Hostetler, who graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 2010 with a degree in psychology, is one of the 61 alumni currently serving overseas. The Boulder Creek, Calif. native is teaching English in China and is scheduled to complete her two-year tour in the summer of 2013. Hostetler applied to the Peace Corps because she “wanted to do more traveling and immerse myself in a new culture. Peace Corps sounded like a great adventure to take after college and before law school.”
The Peace Corps’ Top Colleges and Universities report ranks colleges and universities according to the size of the student body. Nationally, the University of Colorado at Boulder outpaced other universities with 112 undergraduate alumni currently serving overseas. Historically, UC Berkeley maintains the number one all-time rank, with 3,497 Peace Corps volunteer alumni. You may view all the rankings here.
About the Peace Corps:Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961, more than 200,000 Americans have served in 139 host countries. Today, 9,095 volunteers are working with local communities in 75 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.
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