The University of Michigan ranks No. 3 among graduate schools on the Peace Corps’ 2026 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list. It is also No. 4 all-time in volunteer production, with 2,851 Wolverines having served since 1961.

During the past fiscal year, 10 graduate alumni served in 10 countries around the world, including Colombia, Eastern Caribbean, Ecuador, Eswatini, Kenya, Moldova, Morocco, Peru, South Africa and Vietnam.

“We’re thrilled to see U-M continue its legacy as a leading producer of Peace Corps Volunteers,” said Kelly Nelson, assistant director for global engagement and education. “It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of service and global engagement, and to the values our alumni continue to carry forward after their time at U-M.”

In more than 60 countries, Peace Corps volunteers are working side by side with communities, helping to address real needs through agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health and youth in development projects.

“We are grateful to partner with colleges and universities across the nation who instill the value of national service in their students, inspiring them to pursue their purpose post-graduation,” said Peace Corps acting director Richard Swartz. “Sixty-five years after our founding, we are still going strong. Peace Corps service is still the toughest job you’ll ever love, and we want Americans of all backgrounds to challenge themselves to grow personally and professionally as a volunteer.”

To better reflect the combined contributions of volunteers who serve traditional 27-month assignments and Peace Corps Response volunteers who serve 6-12 months, the Peace Corps counted alumni volunteers who served at any point during the 2025 fiscal year for the 2026 rankings.

“Since arriving in Colombia a bit over half a year ago, I’ve completely fallen in love with the country,” U-M alum Gavin Lichtenberg said. “My work has ranged from documentary filmmaking, to teaching English, to designing AI tooling, to working on entrepreneurship grants, to suiting up to process produce in an agroindustrial factory.

“Peace Corps is truly a factory reset. I knew immersion could shift perspective, but living it is entirely different.”

Previously, colleges and universities were ranked on a one-day annual head count of volunteers on the last day of the fiscal year (Sept. 30).

Peace Corps volunteers collaborate with community members on locally prioritized projects, gaining skills and experience while fostering mutual understanding and promoting American values.

Countries and communities around the world continue to partner with the Peace Corps as the agency aspires to attract and support 8,000 volunteers in service by Sept. 30, 2030.

Recent graduate Liza Cushnir has been serving as a youth development volunteer in Costa Rica since July 2025. She works at elementary and high schools and with community groups in Cantón de Sarapiquí, a rural town with a population of about 1,000 people.

The Youth Development sector focuses on youth well-being, life skills, sports, arts, recreation and community engagement, Cushnir said.

At the elementary school, she is co-planning and co-teaching financial education classes for fourth, fifth and sixth graders. In high school, physical education is one of her main projects. She started a basketball team and, with the science teacher, leads a life skills and bird-watching workshop for seventh graders. They also plan to launch community service projects at the high school.

“Coming from Los Angeles and U-M, living in a rural town has been a unique experience. The strong sense of community and care is evident every day,” Cushnir said.

“The beauty of a community like this continues to amaze and inspire me every day. I’ve learned so much about building positive relationships with people, the value of a friendly smile and how important it is to show up and put your best foot forward.”