UW News

February 2, 2011

UW retains top rankings in Peace Corps participation

UW News

The University of Washington ranks No. 3 on Peace Corps 2011 rankings of colleges and universities in the large category (more than 15,000 undergraduates) with 94 undergraduate alumni currently serving as Peace Corps volunteers.

The UW has been in one of the top four spots since 2003 — the only university that has accomplished this.

In the category of graduate alumni serving as Peace Corps volunteers, UW continues to rank No. 1.

peace corps logo

The Percussion Ensemble will perform May 29 in Meany Studio Theater.

“For the last 50 years, colleges and universities across our country have been an integral part of the Peace Corps family, from developing young leaders, to hosting trainings and teaching the importance of lifelong learning,” said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams.

“In 1961, President Kennedy created the Peace Corps in response to the passion of university students, and today we continue to be inspired by the enthusiasm, dedication, and creativity of the thousands of Americans now serving overseas. Colleges instill a commitment to public service among their students and share our belief that, together, we can work to make the world a better place.”

Since 1961, 2,676 UW alumni have served as Peace Corps volunteers, making UW the No. 3 all-time producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

Today, Peace Corps volunteers work in 77 countries in the areas of education, youth and community development, health and HIV/AIDS, business information and communication technology, agriculture and environment.

In the graduate school category, the UW holds the top rank with 21 currently serving volunteers holding masters degrees from the school. It was tied for first place with the University of Texas at Austin last year.

Learn more about the UW and the Peace Corps online. See the rankings at the national Peace Corps website.