MAINE — Rockland resident Scott Tilton serves as an environment volunteer in Malawi, according to a Peace Corps news release.

“Older volunteers may find it more difficult to learn a new language, but we also bring other qualities that younger volunteers have not yet had the chance to develop,” said Tilton, in the release. “These types of varied life experiences help prepare an individual for a rich experience in the Peace Corps.”

Maine has ranked in the top states per capita for the past five years. This year, Maine ranks No. 8 among states with the highest number of Peace Corps volunteers per capita, according to the release. 

There are 54 volunteers from Maine currently serving worldwide and 1,987 Mainers have served in the Peace Corps since the agency’s founding in 1961.

Maine volunteers are among the more than 235,000 Americans who have served around the world in areas such as agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health and youth development volunteers since 1961.  

“Encouraging all Americans, from every corner of our country, to become involved in international service is something that continues to be at the forefront of my mind,” said Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen, in the release. “At the Peace Corps, we recognize the leaders who cultivate a culture of service in their states. Communities across America are embracing the domestic dividend of returned Peace Corps volunteers and, today, we celebrate these global citizens who contribute so much to our country.”

Peace Corps is unique among service organizations because volunteers live and work at the community level. Service in the Peace Corps is a life-defining, hands-on leadership experience that offers volunteers the opportunity to travel to the farthest corners of the world and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Applicants can apply to specific programs by visiting the Peace Corps website and connecting with a recruiter.

Below find the nation’s top volunteer-producing states for 2018.

2018 Top States – Per Capita (# of volunteers per 100,000 residents)

1. District of Columbia – 14.8
2. Vermont – 6.9
3. Montana – 4.6
4. Oregon – 4.4
5. Virginia – 4.3
6. Maryland – 4.2
7. New Hampshire – 4.1
8. Maine – 4.0
9. Colorado – 4.0
10. Rhode Island – 4.0
11. Washington – 3.8
12. Minnesota – 3.8

2018 Top States – Total Volunteers

1. California – 836
2. New York – 475
3. Virginia – 364
4. Texas – 351
5. Illinois – 312
6. Florida – 311
7. Pennsylvania – 291
8. Washington – 285
9. Maryland – 257
10. Massachusetts – 242

*Peace Corps data current as of September 30, 2018. The metropolitan area data used to determine Peace Corps’ rankings are derived from the most current U.S. Census Bureau “Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area” data. Volunteers self-report their home city and state on their Peace Corps application. 

About the Peace Corps: The Peace Corps sends Americans with a passion for service abroad on behalf of the United States to work with communities and create lasting change. Volunteers develop sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, community economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development. Through their Peace Corps experience, volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a life-long commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 235,000 Americans of all ages have served in 141 countries worldwide. For more information, visit peacecorps.gov and add us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.