WASHINGTON, D.C., December 8, 2015 – Today, Peace Corps announced that Alaska tied at No. 3 among states with the highest number of Peace Corps volunteers per capita, producing 4.5 volunteers for every 100,000 residents. There are 33 volunteers from Alaska currently serving worldwide and 992 residents have served in Peace Corps since its founding in 1961.

“The hometown perspectives and values Peace Corps volunteers bring to the communities they serve become an integral part of the intercultural exchange that takes place during Peace Corps service,” Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet said. “We are so grateful to the communities across the United States that instill a sense of service and purpose in their citizens and drive their residents to give back to communities beyond their borders.” 

Alaska volunteers are among the more than 220,000 Americans who have served around the world as agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health, and youth in development volunteers since the agency was founded by President John F. Kennedy. Alaska’s jump to the No. 3 spot is the state’s first time ranking among the top ten volunteer-producing states since 2009.

“We’re thrilled to see our eight-state region contribute so many of its best and brightest to represent our nation abroad,” said Erin Carlson, regional manager of the Peace Corps West Coast Region. “Promoting a better understanding of people and cultures around the world is at the heart and soul of our organization’s rich tradition of service. We cherish the tremendous support of our service-oriented states, cities and communities; and we’ll continue to be at the forefront in providing Americans to serve communities around the globe.”

David DeHaan is an Alaska resident currently serving in the Philippines as a Coastal Resources Management volunteer. In his position, he works with the local government and his counterparts on a variety of environmental initiatives.

“I have come to cherish adding my skills where possible and learning a lot about the culture and environmental work here,” DeHaan said. “The work I am most proud of at this point in service is helping with the process of establishing new marine protected areas in my community.”

The Peace Corps has five 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. The West Coast regional recruitment office serves Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington; and Peace Corps recruiters are based locally throughout the region. Find the regional recruitment office near you by visiting the Peace Corps website. To view a list of volunteer numbers from all 50 states, click here. [xyz-ihs snippet=”Adsense-responsive”]

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  Alaska, coastal resources, david dehaan, peace corps, philippines, ranking, united states, volunteers