Peace Corps Web Traffic, Online Applications Continue to Rise |
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This past year, the Peace Corps continued to see increases in website
visitors and online applications, a trend that has been in place since President
George W. Bush announced plans to increase the number of Peace Corps volunteers
in his February 2002 State of the Union Address.
“As Peace Corps continues to move forward in the 21st century, we are finding
that more and more applicants are turning to technology to research the Peace
Corps and decide whether to apply,” said Director Gaddi H. Vasquez. “One of our
goals has been to reach out to potential volunteers to provide them as much
information as possible to aid their decision. The Internet is a powerful medium
in that we can really show potential volunteers what is involved in Peace Corps
service.”
In 2003, approximately 5.7 million people visited the Peace Corps website, a
32 percent increase over the previous year. The increase in website visitors
also coincides with a redesign of the Peace Corps website.
Launched in September 2003, the website is part of the national recruitment
and awareness campaign titled "Life Is Calling. How Far Will You Go?" The
redesigned website incorporates a number of technologies and features to
increase application acquisition, better serve a more diverse Peace Corps
audience, and educate Americans about Peace Corps` goals and accomplishments.
Since the launch of the new website, the Peace Corps has seen a 44 percent
increase in online inquiries about Peace Corps service.
In conjunction with the increase in people visiting the website, more
applicants are also turning to the web to complete their Peace Corps
application. Last year, 70 percent of all applications to become a Peace Corps
volunteer were submitted online. Since President Bush’s 2002 State of the Union
speech, the Peace Corps has received over 14,000 online applications, and more
than 200,000 inquiries about volunteering in the Peace Corps. Thousands of
additional applicants used the website to educate themselves about opportunities
for service, to locate recruiting events, and to read and view stories of
volunteers serving in the field.
Since 1961, more than 170,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps,
working in such diverse fields as education, health, HIV/AIDS education and
awareness, information technology, business development, the environment, and
agriculture. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years
of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.
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