Justin Downing '19

Justin Downing '19 is among the first Peace Corps volunteers to return to overseas service since the agency’s unprecedented global evacuation in March 2020. The Peace Corps suspended global operations and evacuated nearly 7,000 volunteers from more than 60 countries at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was motivated to join because I believe in the Peace Corps’ mission of promoting peace and friendship between the U.S. and other nations,” said Downing.

Downing earned his bachelor’s degree in political science. He will serve as a volunteer in the Eastern Caribbean in the education sector.

“The world is at a critical juncture. The largest global vaccination effort in history is underway while other widespread health, social, political and environmental issues continue to erode the foundation of our global society. Actions taken in the next few years have the potential to fundamentally impact development trajectories for decades to come,” said Peace Corps CEO Carol Spahn. “Peace Corps volunteers returning to the Eastern Caribbean will work alongside community members to support urgent development efforts and build critical connections.”  

The volunteer cohorts are made up of both first-time volunteers and volunteers who were evacuated in early 2020. Upon finishing a three-month training, volunteers will collaborate with their host communities on locally prioritized projects in one of Peace Corps’ six sectors – agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health or youth in development – and all will engage in COVID-19 response and recovery work.

Downing will work in cooperation with local community and partner organizations on sustainable development projects.

Since the agency’s founding in 1961, over 2,050 alumni from UCLA have served abroad as Peace Corps volunteers. UCLA offers a Peace Corps Prep program, housed within the Education Abroad Program (UCEAP), to provide undergraduates with an opportunity to integrate coursework with hands-on experience and professional development, and prepare them for international development fieldwork and potential Peace Corps service.

Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans have served in 142 countries worldwide.