As college graduates face one of the toughest job markets in years, many are choosing to take jobs in public service. Last year 23% of graduates chose to work for nonprofit groups or government, this year this number is up to 27% according to a study from the National Association of Colleges and Employees. The organization also found that the percentage of students that want private-sector jobs is down to 39% from 45%. Schools such as Amherst College have taken great initiative to encourage students to take on public service and nonprofit jobs.  Their efforts appear to be working; this spring eight students graduated holding jobs with Teach for America, a program that places graduates in rural or urban areas to teach for two years.

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