Since 1961, 211 alumni of Atlanta HBCUs have served as Peace Corps volunteers. In recognition of Atlanta-area schools’ prominence on the agency’s top HBCU list, Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet joined former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Domestic Outreach at the State Department Karen Richardson, Director of Morehouse College’s Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership Julius E. Coles at an announcement event at Morehouse University. The panel discussion following the announcement highlighted the importance of diversity in international service and how Peace Corps is taking a leadership role in uplifting communities of color abroad.
“Peace Corps service is an opportunity for those who want to immerse themselves in another culture while working to make the world a better place,” Director Hessler-Radelet said. “HBCUs foster a culture of learning that emphasizes the value of community and serving others and that foundation is what helps HBCU alumni thrive in the Peace Corps.”
For the third year in a row, Howard University has appeared on both Peace Corps’ HBCU list as well as the agency’s national list of top volunteer-producing colleges and universities, ranking No. 14 among medium-sized schools.
Peace Corps’ 2016 top volunteer-producing Historically Black Colleges and Universities are:
1. Howard University (16 currently serving volunteers)
2. Spelman College (7 currently serving volunteers)
3. Florida A&M University (5 currently serving volunteers)
4. Clark Atlanta University (4 currently serving volunteers)
4. Morehouse College (4 currently serving volunteers)
*Rankings are calculated based on fiscal year 2015 data as of September 30, 2015, as self-reported by Peace Corps volunteers.
In 2015, the agency saw a 40-year high in application numbers, reinforcing the Peace Corps’ role as a dynamic, forward-leaning champion for international service more than half a century after its creation. The Peace Corps has regional recruitment offices across the country that work closely with prospective volunteers, as well as Office of Recruitment and Diversity that aims to recruit a diverse pool of volunteers and build an inclusive volunteer force. Find the recruitment office near you by visiting the Peace Corps website.
About the Peace Corps:
The Peace Corps sends the best and brightest Americans abroad on behalf of the United States to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Volunteers work at the grassroots level to develop sustainable solutions that address challenges in education, health, economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development. Through their service, volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a life-long commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today’s global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, nearly 220,000 Americans of all ages have served in 140 countries worldwide.
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