The Peace Corps has ranked California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) the fourth top volunteer-producing hispanic institution for 2015, recognizing CSULB’s 26 alumni currently serving in the U.S. government volunteer program, the university announced today.
The Peace Corps ranks top volunteer-producing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) nationwide on an annual basis, and this year marks the second consecutive year that CSULB has appeared in the top 10.
“I’m proud of our alumni for their commitment to volunteer service and pleased that the university’s involvement with the Peace Corps continues to grow,” said CSULB President Jane Close Conoley in a statement. “The establishment last fall of a partnership between Cal State Long Beach and the Peace Corps to develop a Master’s International Program is a perfect example of how we prepare students to be citizens of the world.”
CSULB and the Peace Corps agreed on a partnership for the master’s program, which will allow students to earn master’s degrees in Geography and Linguistics, advance to engage in a two-year Peace Corps volunteer assignment, and return for an immersive internship and thesis or project completion.
According to a press release, 790 CSULB alumni have served in the Peace Corps since 1970.
“Peace Corps’ hallmark is its wonderful diversity of dedicated volunteers who serve thousands of communities overseas,” said Peace Corps West Coast Regional Manager Erin Carlson in a statement. “We are proud of our West Coast colleges and universities that are ranked as the top volunteer-producing Hispanic-Serving Institutions for 2015. These schools continue to promote the importance of service and produce outstanding volunteers who personify the best this country has to offer.”
Peace Corps’ 2015 top volunteer-producing Hispanic-Serving Institutions include:
1. University of California, Santa Cruz (42 volunteers)
2. University of California, Santa Barbara (38 volunteers)
3. University of New Mexico (29 volunteers)
4. California State University, Long Beach (26 volunteers)
5. Humboldt State University (25 volunteers)
5. San Diego State University (25 volunteers)
7. University of California, Riverside (23 volunteers)
8. Florida International University (16 volunteers)
8. California State University, Fullerton (16 volunteers)
10. California State University, Chico (15 volunteers)
*Rankings are calculated based on fiscal year 2014 data as of Sept. 30, as self-reported by Peace Corps volunteers.
Above, left: CSULB President Jane Close Conoley. File photo.