Peace Corps, Teach For America present joint information session

The Peace Corps and Teach For America will present a joint information session on Tuesday, Nov. 15, the first time the two service organizations have collaborated at Arizona State University.

In July of 2010, the groups signed a formal agreement to encourage their respective alumni to pursue opportunities with the partner organization. Teach For America is one of the nation’s largest providers of teachers for low-income communities, with all assignments located within the United States. The Peace Corps is a federally-funded agency that sends volunteers on a range of assignments to one of 76 countries overseas.

Apollonia Trujillo Gallegos, Teach For America’s recruitment manager for all of Arizona, is a consistent presence on campus. “Students need to be aware of the opportunities to serve here and abroad. Collaborating with the Peace Corps is essential in creating this awareness,” she said.

According to Peace Corps recruiter Lassana Toure, who has an office at the Center for Global Education Services (CGES), collaborating with Teach For America offers an opportunity to “work with an organization that is doing great things in our communities. Whether you choose to serve locally or globally, the important thing is that you serve.”

With 58 alumni currently overseas as Peace Corps volunteers, ranking 20th among all universities in the nation, ASU has a deep connection to the Peace Corps. Sun Devils are serving in 37 of the 76 countries where Peace Corps works. The majority of volunteers are working in health, education and business development, with ASU students serving in countries as diverse as Bulgaria, Mongolia and Suriname.

Since 2006, ASU and Teach For America have fostered unique partnerships across different areas: Teach For America recruitment, teacher support and development (including offering a master’s degree in education with teaching certification for corps members), alumni leadership, the Phoenix institute and most recently the Sanford Education Project. Sun Devil alumni are  currently teaching Pre-K through 12th grade throughout Teach For America’s 43 regions nationwide.

The information session, scheduled to take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 15, in the amphitheater of the Student Services Building, will feature presentations from both recruiters about their personal experiences, as well as information on the benefits and application process. Interested students can RSVP on Facebook.