San Diego Universities Stand Out in Peace Corps Volunteers
When it comes to sending students to the Peace Corps, San Diego universities stand out in the crowd. UC San Diego tied for 14th among large schools, with 36 volunteers in 2015. Overall, more than 800 UC San Diego alumni have volunteered for the Peace Corps over 55 years.
San Diego State University tied for 24th, with 32 graduates in the Peace Corps, and the University of San Diego tied for 14th among medium-sized universities with 16 volunteers. The Peace Corps sends American volunteers to help address the needs of people around the world.
The rankings are a way to demonstrate how well different universities emphasize the importance of intercultural understanding. Rankings were determined by the number of volunteers who attended the University before joining the Peace Corps.
In a news release, Peace Corp agency Director, Carrie Hessler-Radlet, spoke about the ranking and the Corps.
“The Peace Corps is a unique opportunity for college graduates to put their education into practice and become agents of change in communities around the world,” she said. “Today’s graduates understand the importance of intercultural understanding and are raising their hands in record numbers to take on the challenge of international service.”
For many students, heading into the Peace Corps is an eye-opening experience. Kevin Nguyen, a UCSD alumnus, thought that his time in the Peace Corps would help him change the world. He quickly realized that it’s all the small things that matter. As for Jaclyn Stecker, an SDSU alumna, she joined the Peace Corps for a stable and structured long-term opportunity.
As for the San Diego school with the most Peace Corps volunteers over time, that honor goes to SDSU. Nearly 1,200 Aztec alumni have volunteered for the Corps over the years, making it the 28th in the US for all-time highest volunteer-producing schools.
The next Peace Corps information session at SDSU will take place on March 10 in Montezuma Hall.
About the Author
Kelly Vo
Kelly Vo is a writer who specializes in covering MBA programs, digital marketing, and personal development.
