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Peace Corps wants you

Published: Thursday, March 4, 2010

Updated: Thursday, March 4, 2010 11:03

The U.S. Peace Corps has sworn in its first African American director — Aaron S. Williams.

Williams was sworn in as the 18th director of the Peace Corps on Aug. 24, 2009.

Williams, who was born and raised in Chicago, began his career in the Peace Corps in 1967 as a volunteer serving in the Dominican Republic.

Williams is only the fourth director in the history of the Peace Corps to have served as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Upon completion of his service, Williams became a coordinator for minority recruitment and a project evaluation officer.

When Williams visited N.C. Central University on Feb. 16 he had one goal in mind: to speak with students about the need for minority volunteers in the Peace Corps.

"You receive a gift, it's something that will change you forever," said Williams about his experience as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Peace Corps volunteers commit to 27 months of training and service. Students interested in serving should apply about a year before they are ready to begin service.

Williams said that volunteering in the Peace Corps is an "investment in yourself."

Williams bemoaned the fact that a greater percentage of HBCU students don't consider becoming Peace Corps volunteers.

Of all minority groups, Asians have the highest participation rate.

Williams believes a financial barrier is the major reason that many people do not consider joining the Peace Corps.

According to Williams there are benefits in addition to the experience of living in another culture.

While serving in another country, volunteers receive a living allowance, as well as medical and dental insurance.

After serving, volunteers receive $6,000 in transition support. Additionally repayment on federal student loans is postponed and Perkins loans are eligible for a 15 percent cancellation for each year of service in the Peace Corps.

According to Williams, joining the Peace Corps is a great way to impress that graduate school you may want to apply to.

"Graduate schools look at it and respect it," he said.

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