New Jersey Has Produced More Than 5,100 Peace Corps Volunteers, Agency Says

Dozens of Garden State residents are currently serving in the U.S. Peace Corps, adding to a growing list that now includes thousands of volunteers.

The iconic federal service agency released an updated list of its “top volunteer-producing states” for 2025 on Monday (see chart below).

According to the Peace Corps, there were 76 Garden State volunteers serving in a foreign nation as of September. The Peace Corps has seen 5,143 volunteers from New Jersey since it was founded in 1961.

While California continues to rank No. 1 for overall volunteer production, Virginia moved up two slots into the No. 2 spot nationally for total volunteers this year. New York and Texas tied for No. 3 honors.

The nation’s capital is the largest producer of volunteers per capita, with more than four volunteers per 100,000 citizens. Vermont took the No. 2 spot and New Hampshire ranked No. 3 on the “Per Capita” list.

Maryland and Washington ranked as the top states for both per capita and overall volunteer production.

“In 2025, Peace Corps volunteers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam shared their unique hometown perspectives with communities in the 60 countries where they serve,” chief executive officer Paul Shea said.

“We are deeply grateful for the contributions of our volunteers and the families, friends, and communities that encourage and support them,” Shea said.

One of the most iconic public service programs in the nation, the Peace Corps sends U.S. residents abroad to forge new international connections. Volunteers work on projects that target the unique needs of their new communities, including agriculture, economic development, education, health and youth outreach.

Since 1961, more than 240,000 Americans have served in 144 countries worldwide.

People can visit peacecorps.gov to learn more about the Peace Corps or apply for to serve.

• See Related: Peace Corps Prepares For Staff Cuts Under Trump Administration
• See Related: NJ Woman Joins Peace Corps: 'I'm In Awe Of This Planet'

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