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This year, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has risen on the Peace Corps’ Top 25 list of large schools producing Peace Corps Volunteers. With 78 alumni currently serving as Peace Corps Volunteers, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is No. 6 in the rankings. Since Peace Corps’ inception, 1,092 alumni of UNC – Chapel Hill have served in the Peace Corps.

Contact: Stephen Chapman
202.692.1050

Peace Corps Director to Visit UNC February 17

This year, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has risen on the Peace Corps’ Top 25 list of large schools producing Peace Corps Volunteers. With 78 alumni currently serving as Peace Corps Volunteers, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is No. 6 in the rankings. Since Peace Corps’ inception, 1,092 alumni of UNC – Chapel Hill have served in the Peace Corps.

“For nearly 50 years, enthusiastic college alumni have contributed to the success of Peace Corps programs and our mission to promote world peace and friendship in host communities around the world,” said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams. “Peace Corps service is a life changing leadership opportunity and a great career foundation in almost every field, ranging from international development, education, public health, engineering, agriculture, and law, to name a few. I am proud of our historic relationship with over 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States and look forward to recruiting and training the next generation of Peace Corps volunteers.”

Director Williams will be addressing UNC-Chapel Hill Students on the evening of Wednesday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the FedEx Global Education Center.  To find out additional details about the event please contact campus recruiter and returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Chinyere Alu. Chinyere can be reached directly at 919-962-0185 or peacecorps@unc.edu.

The Peace Corps ranks its top volunteer-producing schools annually according to the size of the student body. Small schools have less than 5,000 undergraduates, medium-sized schools have between 5,000 and 15,000 undergraduates and large schools have more than 15,000 undergraduates. The rankings are calculated based on fiscal year 2009 data as of September 30, 2009 as self-reported by Peace Corps volunteers.

Currently, there are 7,671 Peace Corps volunteers serving in 76 host countries around the world. A college degree is not mandatory for service. Relevant experience in areas such as education, health, business, IT, environment, and agriculture, however, is required.  In 2009, Peace Corps received over 15,000 applications, an 18 percent increase over 2008.  This is the largest number of applications since the agency began electronically recording applications in 1998.

The Peace Corps provides both tangible benefits and a life-defining leadership experience. Peace Corps volunteers return from service as global citizens and receive support from the Peace Corps in the form of career services, graduate school opportunities, advantages in federal employment, readjustment allowances, and loan deferment and cancellation opportunities.

Peace Corps’ nine regional recruiting offices across the United States work to recruit and provide information and guidance to prospective Peace Corps volunteers. Peace Corps recruiters work locally throughout each region and many are responsible for specific college and university campuses. Potential applicants can connect with a local recruiter and locate their local regional recruiting office by visiting the Peace Corps website at www.peacecorps.gov.

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world with 7,671 volunteers serving in 76 host countries. Historically, nearly 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 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.

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