Peace Corps plans Maricopa Community Colleges recruiting drive
Peace Corps plans Maricopa Colleges recruiting drive
The Maricopa Community Colleges have been chosen by the Peace Corps to launch a national recruitment drive, which for the first time is aimed at attracting community college students to the service organization.
Josephine K. "Jody" Olsen, Peace Corps Deputy Director, will launch the national effort Nov. 18 at a luncheon ceremony at Scottsdale Community College.
The Peace Corps will seek community college volunteers for two-year overseas assignments in the areas of health extension, youth development, agriculture, computer science, forestry, business advising, animal husbandry, construction and the environment.
"This initiative opens a world of opportunity to our students," said Anna Solley, vice chancellor of Academic Affairs.
The launch coincides with the celebration of the Nov. 17-23 International Education Week by all 10 Maricopa Community Colleges. Throughout the week, Peace Corps recruiters will visit each college to distribute program information and answer students' questions.
The Maricopa Community Colleges is one of three pilot sites to promote Peace Corps service to its graduates. Discussion is under way with several universities to provide community college graduate-volunteers the opportunity to earn college credit toward a Bachelor's degree while serving in the Peace Corps.
The Peace Corps was established in 1961, and since then more than 160,000 men and women have served as volunteers to improve the quality of life in more than 130 developing nations.
The Maricopa County Community College District includes 10 colleges and two skill centers.
For more: 480-731-8259, 480-731-8000 or www.maricopa.edu.
