WASHINGTON, D.C. Rachel Ricciardi of West Milford has been accepted into the Peace Corps and departed last week to begin pre-service training as a natural resource adviser Peace Corps volunteer. Upon graduation from volunteer training in January, Ricciardi will work in Ghana to facilitate the development of tree nurseries, to lead environmental education programs, to identify sustainable alternatives to current uses of natural resources and to promote HIV/AIDS awareness. Ricciardi, 22, said her interest in the Peace Corps originated from a returned volunteer at a high school career day event. As a result of speaking with that volunteer, she did some online research about the Peace Corps. “I instantly thought that this was the perfect volunteering opportunity and challenge for me,” Ricciardi said. “After attending several Peace Corps events at RWU (Roger Williams University), I applied and have never looked back.” During the first three months of her service, Ricciardi will live with a host family in Ghana to become fully immersed in the country’s language and culture. After acquiring the language and cultural skills necessary to assist her community, Ricciardi will be sworn into service and be assigned to a community in Ghana, where she will live and work for two years with the local people. Ricciardi is the daughter of Chris and Debra Ricciardi and a graduate of West Milford Township High School. She attended Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I., where she earned bachelor’s degrees in environmental science and Italian in 2011. Growing up for a time in Paterson, Ricciardi said she got her first taste of seeing those less fortunate than herself, like the homeless, and wanted to serve her community. “I have grown up being aware of my surroundings and as a result, I have volunteered several times to give back to my community,” she said. “By joining the Peace Corps I hope to expand my involvement in community service to an international level.” After completing her service as a Peace Corps volunteer, Ricciardi said she hoped to work in the nonprofit sector or for an environmental remediation organization. However, her plans are not set in stone, she said. “I’m planning on keeping an open mind in case I want to extend my service in Ghana or if another opportunity arises while I’m abroad,” she said. Ricciardi also recognized Ghana’s Peace Corps history, as the first country in the world to receive Peace Corps volunteers in 1961. “I feel honored to become a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana and to join this 50-year legacy of partnership, human development, peace and friendship,” she said. Ricciardi joins 216 New Jersey residents currently serving in the Peace Corps and more than 4,590 New Jersey residents who have served in the Peace Corps since 1961. Nearly 4,130 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Ghana since the program was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. Ghana was the first country in the world to receive Peace Corps volunteers. Volunteers in this West African nation work in the areas of education, environmental and agricultural conservation, health and HIV/AIDS awareness, water sanitation and hygiene promotion, business development, and information technology. Volunteers incorporate unique educational techniques by teaching visual arts in sign language at schools for the deaf. Many volunteers working on HIV/AIDS prevention and care receive support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief program. Currently, 162 volunteers are serving in Ghana. Throughout 2011, Peace Corps is commemorating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Today, 8,655 volunteers work with local communities in 76 host countries. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.