UNCF Partners With Peace Corps

FAIRFAX, VA - UNCF-the United Negro College Fund-the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization and The Peace Corps have created a partnership to help recruit the next generation of Peace Corps volunteers and highlight the career and volunteer opportunities that are available through Peace Corps.

"This partnership is in the great tradition of UNCF students and member colleges and university serving their communities, the country, and now the world" said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D. UNCF president and CEO. "We are excited about the opportunity to serve that our Peace Corps partnership will give our students and about the contribution they can make to people around the world."

Under the partnerships, Peace Corps will participate in partner conferences and meetings, and work with UNCF to create new ways to share electronic resources and education materials.

This partnership coalition follows Peace Corps' recent partnerships with five AmeriCorps organizations that encourage service-minded AmeriCorps alumni to consider applying their experience in local communities overseas with Peace Corps.

"I know firsthand that serving as a Peace Corps volunteer is a life-defining leadership experience," said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams (Dominican Republic, 1967-1970). "A key to our strength, is the fact that our volunteers overseas reflect the extraordinary diversity of America -- Peace Corps is honored to work with these respected higher education organizations to increase public service opportunities abroad for more Americans."

As Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world with 7,671 volunteers serving in 77 host countries. Historically, nearly 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

About UNCF

UNCF-the United Negro College Fund-is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 39 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 18 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."