After high school in Massachusetts and a BA in History from Johns Hopkins University, in July 1962 Hatch joined the Peace Corps for a 2-year tour of duty in Colombia. Trained as a "community development" volunteer, he was assigned to a semi-urban barrio known as Hoyo Sapo ("Frog Hole") on the outskirts of Medellín.
After completing his education in Massachusetts and receiving a History degree from Johns Hopkins University, Hatch became a Peace Corps volunteer in July 1962 for two years in Colombia. As part of the community development program, he was sent to live in a semi-urban neighborhood called Hoyo Sapo ("Frog Hole") on the outskirts of Medellín.