ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University is the most improved university in the region for producing graduates who go on to serve in the Peace Corps according to a recent report from the Chicago Regional Office.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, the Peace Corps has seen the number of applicants increase dramatically as Americans seek meaningful ways to promote cross-cultural understanding and to provide valuable service around the world.

An increase in Peace Corps applicants is evident not only at that national level, but at the local level as well. Here at Ohio University, the number of applicants more than doubled from 12 applicants during fiscal year 2001 to 31 applicants during the fiscal year 2002. This was the biggest increase in the number of applicants for all schools in the region, which encompasses Michigan, Missouri, Illinois and Ohio.

Peace Corps volunteers reap rewards both personal and professional through their service. There are programs in several different areas including education, business, environment, agriculture, health and community development.

Volunteers sign on for two-year stints, working in underdeveloped countries worldwide. Some 6,406 volunteers are currently serving in 72 countries. Overall, more than 165,000 volunteers have served in 135 countries since President John F. Kennedy created the Peace Corps in 1961.

To find out more about the opportunities available through the Peace Corps, join recruiters and returned volunteers at an information session Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 7 until 9 p.m. at the Friends of the Library Room on the fourth floor of the Alden Library.

For more information please contact Campus Representative Danielle Matta at (740) 593-0290 or peacecorps@ohio.edu. Ohio University's Peace Corps office is located at the Center for International Studies in Burson House.