CSU is 15th in the annual rankings for Peace Corps volunteers.
With a connection that dates to the debut of the Peace Corps in 1961, CSU has a long history of producing volunteers for the organization known for its service projects throughout the world. Currently, CSU has 46 students serving around the globe.
“Colorado State University is an incubator that supports scholars as they become global leaders,” said Quinn Olson, a Rams graduate currently serving as a Youth in Development Volunteer in Fiji. “Its student body fosters exploration and self-growth. Both on campus and off, students are always challenging each other to discover new things about themselves and the world around them.”
In the beginning
Since its creation in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps has been sending Americans with a passion for service abroad to work with international communities and create lasting change. CSU researchers Pauline Birky-Kreutzer and Maurice Albertson published a feasibility study that helped lead to the creation of the international development organization.
CSU ranks among the top 15 large schools (more than 15,000 undergraduates) all-time with more than 1,700 Peace Corps volunteers.
Expanding opportunities
CSU recently added two master’s programs – a Global, Social and Sustainable Enterprise MBA
and a Conservation Leadership through Learning – as part of the Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program as further incentive for volunteers.
“CSU’s long history with the Peace Corps—from the initial feasibility studies to today’s high rankings in recruitment—is a testament to our commitment as an institution to developing global-ready graduates who are better prepared to address the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century,” said Kathleen Fairfax, vice provost for international affairs. “We continue to expand our world-wide partnerships with key institutions like the Peace Corps. We now have two Coverdell Fellows Master’s Programs that provide opportunities for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers to continue master’s level education.”
In addition, a CSU political science student recently completed an internship with the Peace Corps in Washington, D.C., through the Straayer Center for Public Service Leadership.
