The University of Maryland earned the No. 4 spot in the large school category on the Peace Corps’ 2025 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list. Currently, 28 alumni are serving in 17 countries around the world, including Cameroon, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Jamaica, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mongolia, North Macedonia, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Timor-Leste, and Uganda.
“Global grand challenges—like poverty, education access, and climate resilience—require grassroots-level action and change. Peace Corps volunteers are uniquely positioned to help bridge global goals by working with the local host communities on issues that strengthen community life,” said Ross Lewin, associate vice president for international affairs.
Since the Peace Corps’ founding in 1961, the University of Maryland has produced 1,175 alumni who have served abroad as volunteers.
The Peace Corps’ unique model of community-based development and people-to-people diplomacy connects skilled, committed Americans to work in partnership with welcoming host communities. Since 1961, more than 240,000 Americans have served in 144 countries, contributing to global progress in agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health, and youth development, often in some of the most remote areas of the world.
“Colleges and universities from across the nation are providing us with their talented alumni to serve in countries around the globe,” said Peace Corps Chief Executive Officer 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.”
The Peace Corps invites all qualified U.S. citizens to consider this bold invitation to serve. Applicants for select programs will be eligible for added benefits, such as shorter assignments, mid-service breaks, or increased readjustment stipends. The next application deadline is July 1, 2025. Those interested are encouraged to apply online at peacecorps.gov to learn more about volunteer service opportunities in 60 countries around the world.