Carleton named fifth-highest producer of Peace Corps volunteers among small colleges in 2025
Carleton has consistently produced one of the highest all-time numbers of Peace Corps volunteers since the agency was established in 1961.
The Peace Corps announced its rankings of colleges and universities that have produced the highest all-time number of Peace Corps volunteers since the agency was established in 1961, and Carleton is proud to be recognized as the fifth-highest producer of volunteers this year among small colleges, which includes institutions with fewer than 5,000 undergraduates.
With 506 total volunteers over the decades, Carleton currently has seven alumni serving in six countries around the world: Cambodia, Kenya, Kosovo, Morocco, Namibia, and Paraguay.
Over the last six decades, more than 240,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in 144 countries around the world. Through service, the Peace Corps equips its alumni with adaptive leadership, intercultural competence, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers across federal, state, and local governments; nonprofits; and the private sector.
“Colleges and universities from across the nation are providing us their talented alumni to serve in countries around the globe,” said Peace Corps CEO Allison Greene. “These top-ranked schools understand the transformative power of public service and human connection. The Peace Corps builds invaluable intercultural communication skills, a broadened worldview, and adaptive leadership qualities needed in the American workforce today.”
Peace Corps volunteers serve in six programmatic sectors: education, health, environment, agriculture, youth development, and community economic development. These service opportunities allow them to apply their unique skills — and learn new ones — while supporting community-led development around the world. Additionally, the Peace Corps offers unique career advantages, providing volunteers with global perspectives and skills highly valued in an interconnected society.
The Peace Corps invites U.S. Americans from all backgrounds who embody the spirit of service and a commitment to cross-cultural understanding to apply for Peace Corps service. The next application deadline is July 1, 2025. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online and take the first step toward a transformative experience contributing to world peace and friendship. Visit peacecorps.gov/bold to learn more about Peace Corps volunteer service and how to connect with communities in over 60 countries to help build a better world.
About the Peace Corps
The Peace Corps sends passionate and talented American volunteers abroad to collaborate with community members on projects that advance both American and local priorities. Volunteers build relationships, model democratic values, and make a lasting impact in the areas of education, health, environment, agriculture, community economic development, and youth development. The Peace Corps equips volunteers with valuable leadership, management, and language skills that make them assets to the U.S. workforce and strengthen America’s economic competitiveness at home and abroad. Since 1961, more than 240,000 Americans have served in 144 countries worldwide. For more information, visit peacecorps.gov.
Erica Helgerud ’20 is the news and social media manager for Carleton College.