ASU, UA among top universities for Peace Corps volunteers

PHOENIX — Two of Arizona’s public universities made the list for producing the most Peace Corps volunteers.

Arizona State University ranked No. 15 and University of Arizona came in at No. 20 in the list of large colleges and universities, which is defined as those with more than 15,000 undergrads.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison came in first place for the large schools category, with 85 Peace Corps volunteers.

There are currently 50 Sun Devils and 43 Wildcats volunteering worldwide through the Peace Corps.

“The importance behind that ranking reflects this dedicated citizenry with the passion to understand and to work positively to meet challenges at home and abroad,” said Annalise Gardella, a Peace Corps campus recruiter for UA.

She said UA launched a program this semester called Peace Corps prep to help undergraduates apply for the Peace Corps. Students take classes, do 50 hours of community service and take language courses. ASU has a similar program.

“This prepares them for a Peace Corp experience, but it also increases their chances by three times of getting into Peace Corps because Peace Corps is a really competitive program,” Gardella said.

Those who make it into the Peace Corps get sent to live and work in developing countries for two years. They work to find solutions for various issues, including education, agriculture, health and the environment.

More than 225,000 Americans have served in 141 countries worldwide through the Peace Corps since it was founded in 1961.

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