PEACE CORPS AMERICORPS SEE BOOST IN APPLICATIONS

The troubled economy and President Barack Obama's call to service are helping create a surge of interest in the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps and other service opportunities. Meanwhile, the U.S. House last week approved the largest expansion of government-sponsored service programs in years.

Both Peace Corps and AmeriCorps provide modest compensation, student loan deferment and a small scholarship at the end that members can use to pay off debt or pursue more schooling.

"With the job market being the way it is, and my situation, I could definitely do that for two years, then see what the economy's like and in the process maybe help some people out," said Sandow, who has contacted a Peace Corps recruiter and is mulling over an application.

The Peace Corps saw a 16% increase in applications last year over the previous year, said Christine Torres, spokeswoman for the organization's Chicago office.

AmeriCorps saw a tripling in the number of applications in the first two months of the year, said Sandy Scott, spokesman for the Corporation for National Community Service, the federal agency that oversees AmeriCorps and other programs. Some 9,000 people applied in February, compared with 3,000 applicants in February of last year. [read more]