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The George Washington University Ranks First For Peace Corps Volunteers Among Nation's Mid-Sized Schools
GW Ranked No. 1 for Fourth Year in a Row for Undergraduates
Jan 25, 2012
WASHINGTON—For the fourth consecutive year, the George Washington University ranks first among medium-sized universities producing Peace Corps Volunteers, according to the annual Peace Corps rankings. GW currently has 78 undergraduate alumni serving overseas. Since Peace Corps’ inception, 1,094 George Washington alumni have served in the Peace Corps.
“It is terrific that GW is once again the top-ranking medium-sized university for Peace Corps volunteers,” said Amy Cohen, executive director of the George Washington University’s Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service. “Our students are deeply committed to service and to working with others to make a positive impact on the world."
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 5,001 and 15,000 undergraduates and large schools have more than 15,000 undergraduates. The rankings are calculated based on fiscal year 2011 data as of Sept. 30, 2011, as self-reported by Peace Corps volunteers.
“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. Every day, volunteers make countless contributions to projects in agriculture, education, the environment, health and HIV/AIDS education and prevention, small business development and youth development. I would like to extend my gratitude to all colleges and universities for their continued support of the Peace Corps and public service.”
President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. The Peace Corps commemorated its 50th anniversary at a celebration held at the George Washington University in 2011. Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 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.
Located four blocks from the White House, the George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the nation's capital. The university offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate and professional students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and more than 130 countries.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michelle Sherrard - 202-994-1423 - mcs1@gwu.edu
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