While law school and graduate school remain popular options for recent college graduates, alternative post-graduate programs have seen an increase in their enrollment numbers, officials said.

Students have shown an increased interest in programs such as Teach for America and Peace Corps because of a stagnant economy and a dwindling job market.

The Teach for America program sets up recent college graduates in urban or rural public schools around the country to teach for two years. The program, which began in 1990, was intended to address the achievement gap in education for children living in lower-income areas. Teachers, who come from all majors and backgrounds, are given extensive teacher training.

Lindsay Caddel, Mid-Atlantic director of recruitment support for Teach for America, said programs like this are "becoming known as a way to begin a career and work toward social change."

In 2002, a record 14,000 students applied to the program. Caddel said Penn State has the fourth-highest recruitment number in the country. In 2001, 61 students applied for the program. In 2002, the number jumped to 125.

"Penn State is an example of how far we've come," Cadell said.

Another alternative for recent graduates is the Peace Corps. Started in 1961 by former President John F. Kennedy, the program now has 7,000 volunteers working in 135 countries.

Penn State is ranked 10th in the nation in the number of graduates who volunteer for the program, said university spokesman Bill Mahon.

Jack Rayman, director of Career Services and a Peace Corps alumnus, said applications have increased at Penn State and the university has the largest student enrollment of Northeast schools.

"The program attracts people who are looking for a cultural experience," Rayman said.

Elizabeth Powell (junior-international politics) is considering joining the Peace Corps. "It has a little to do with the job market, but I need more behind me before going into something more stable," she said.