WASHINGTON, D.C., March 21, 1997—The Peace Corps ranks third in the nation in recruiting college graduates for 1997, according to an annual survey by the magazine The Black Collegian. The agency has consistently ranked among the top three recruiters of college graduates for the past five years.
"The Peace Corps offers graduating students a wide range of opportunities as volunteers in more than 90 countries," said Peace Corps Director Mark Gearan. "Our assignments are among the most rewarding available, and it is tremendously heartening to find so many college graduates opting for Peace Corps service."
Gearan noted that a recent survey of former Peace Corps volunteers found that 94 percent would make the same decision to join. "That\'s additional proof that Peace Corps truly is \'the toughest job you\'ll ever love,\' " he said.
The Black Collegian survey was mailed to hundreds of employers nationwide in business and government. In its Spring 1997 issue, the magazine lists the top 100 employers for all college graduates. Peace Corps ranks third with 3,677 job opportunities available for 1997. Topping the list is Enterprise Rent-A-Car, followed by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. In the number four slot is Andersen Consulting, followed by Boeing.
Peace Corps, now in its 36th year, was founded by President John F. Kennedy to offer trained men and women to countries in need. Currently, nearly 6,500 volunteers serve in 91 countries, including South Africa, where 31 volunteers began serving last month for the first time.
For more information about the Peace Corps, or to request an application, call 1-800-424-8580, or visit the Peace Corps\' World Wide Web site at www.peacecorps.gov.