SF State named one of the Peace Corps’ all-time top volunteer-producing schools

More than 1,400 SF State alumni have served abroad as Peace Corps volunteers

The Peace Corps has recognized San Francisco State University as No. 20 on its list of all-time top volunteer-producing colleges and universities. The ranking is based on an annual list issued by the Peace Corps between 2003 and 2023.

The Peace Corps is an international service network of volunteers, community members, host country partners and staff who are driven by the agency’s mission of world peace and friendship. In March of 2020, it suspended global operations and evacuated nearly 7,000 volunteers from more than 60 countries at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The evacuation included 20 San Francisco State alumni. Currently, more than 1,400 volunteers — six of them SF State alumni — have returned to a total of 53 countries around the world.

“Demand for Peace Corps volunteers is high given setbacks in development progress following the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn. “Peace Corps service is the beginning of a lifetime of global connection and purpose for those bold enough to accept the invitation.”

One of those bold volunteers was SF State alum Malaika Harris. She says the University’s Africana Studies Department played a significant role in her decision to serve in the Peace Corps by fostering her passion for African culture and history.

“From SF State, I bring a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and a commitment to social justice. Currently, I’m excited to be working on a project with local community members in Northern Uganda that aims to provide health education to pregnant women, young mothers and their communities to decrease child mortality,” said Harris.

Learn more about SF State’s Africana Studies Department  and international education programs.