Vermont produces more Peace Corps volunteers per capita than any other state, reports the Peace Corps with the release of its 2013 ranking. With 7.8 volunteers for every 100,000 residents, Vermont reclaims the top spot on the list, a position it last held in 2010. Forty-nine Vermonters are currently serving, and 1,474 have served since 1961.

In the 2013 ranking of the top volunteer-producing colleges and universities, released earlier this year, UVM held fifth place among medium-sized schools (5,000 to 15,000 undergraduates).

Along with the state rankings, the Peace Corps reported today on the top volunteer-producing metro areas. Vermont appears again on this list, with Burlington-South Burlington producing the second most volunteers per capita.

“Americans from all across our great country and all walks of life are drawn to the Peace Corps by a spirit of service and a passion for helping others,” says Carrie Hessler-Radelet, Peace Corps acting director. “No matter where they start their journey, through their experience Peace Corps volunteers show the world the compassion, tolerance and dedication to service that has always characterized the American people.”

Since the Peace Corps was established in 1961, more than 215,000 Americans representing all 50 states have served in 139 countries worldwide. Among those volunteers are 819 UVM alumni. Read a few of their stories in this article "Corps Values" from the fall 2013 issue of Vermont Quarterly magazine.