During the past fiscal year, 18 Lumberjacks served in 15 countries around the world, including Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Eastern Caribbean, Ecuador, Fiji, Morocco, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, Thailand, Tonga, and Zambia.
“For many of our students, the Peace Corps is a natural next step. They leave Humboldt with real-world experience, cross-cultural skills, and a desire to make a difference,” says Sara Jaye Hart, coordinator for the University’s Peace Corps Prep Certificate Program. “We are incredibly proud to see Humboldt rank among the top schools in the country.”
“We are grateful to partner with colleges and universities across the nation who instill the value of national service in their students, inspiring them to pursue their purpose post-graduation,” Peace Corps acting Director Richard E. Swarttz says. “In more than 60 countries, Peace Corps volunteers are working side by side with communities, helping to address real needs through agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health, and youth in development projects.
“Sixty-five years after our founding, the Peace Corps is still going strong,” Swarttz added. “Peace Corps service is still the toughest job you’ll ever love, and we want Americans of all backgrounds to challenge themselves to grow personally and professionally as a volunteer.”
Since the Peace Corps’ founding in 1961, 911 Cal Poly Humboldt alumni have served abroad as volunteers.
To better reflect the combined contributions of volunteers who serve traditional 27-month assignments and Peace Corps Response volunteers who serve for 6-12 months, the Peace Corps counted alumni volunteers who served at any point during the 2025 fiscal year for the 2026 rankings. Previously, colleges and universities were ranked on a one-day annual headcount of volunteers on the last day of the fiscal year (September 30).
Peace Corps volunteers collaborate with community members on locally prioritized projects, gaining skills and experience while fostering mutual understanding and promoting American values. Countries and communities around the world continue to partner with the Peace Corps as the agency aspires to attract and support 8,000 volunteers in service by September 30, 2030. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit peacecorps.gov to learn more about the Peace Corps and apply for service.
About the Peace Corps
The U.S. Government's premier international volunteering agency, the Peace Corps sends passionate and skilled Americans abroad to collaborate on projects that advance both American and host country priorities. This year, the agency commemorates 65 years of promoting world peace and friendship through volunteer service while partnering with America250 to encourage more Americans to give back. Since 1961, the Peace Corps has played a vital role in advancing U.S. global engagement through the work of close to 250,000 volunteers serving in 144 host countries. For more information, visit peacecorps.gov and follow the agency on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.