The Peace Corps Announces Top Volunteer Producing States On Slow News Day

The Peace Corps Announces Top Volunteer-Producing States and Metropolitan Areas for 2013
Vermont reclaims top spot among states with the most volunteers per capita, also ranks among top metro areas per capita

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 11, 2013 – The Peace Corps today released the 2013 rankings of the top volunteer-producing states and metropolitan areas across the country. Vermont reclaimed the No. 1 spot among states with the most Peace Corps volunteers per capita with 7.8 volunteers for every 100,000 residents, a position it last held in 2010. Vermont also ranked among the top metro areas per capita. The Burlington-South Burlington metro area ranked second behind Ithaca, N.Y., where volunteers accounted for 11.7 of every 100,000 residents.

California, New York and Texas continue to be the Peace Corps’ top states, and New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana held their positions as Peace Corps’ top metro areas.

“Americans from all across our great country and all walks of life are drawn to the Peace Corps by a spirit of service and a passion for helping others,” Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet said. “No matter where they start their journey, through their experience Peace Corps volunteers show the world the compassion, tolerance and dedication to service that has always characterized the American people.”

Since the Peace Corps was established in 1961, more than 215,000 Americans representing all 50 states have served in 139 countries worldwide. Service in the Peace Corps is a life-defining, hands-on leadership experience that offers volunteers the opportunity to travel to the farthest corners of the world and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Volunteers live and work at the community level to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world and promote a better understanding between Americans and the people they serve. When they return home, volunteers bring their knowledge and experiences – and a global outlook – that enrich the lives of those around them and give them a competitive edge for job opportunities in today’s global economy.

The Peace Corps has eight regional recruitment offices across the United States that work closely with prospective Peace Corps volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to ensure that all Americans who want to serve have the opportunity to do so.