General Info

The Peace Corps is a volunteer organization that promotes global peace and development. Its goals are to provide education and training to citizens of developing nations and to promote a better understanding of America. Peace Corps volunteers work in several areas including education, youth outreach, community development, health and HIV/AIDS, agriculture, environment, business development and information technology. Within these areas, the specific duties and responsibilities of each volunteer can vary widely. The organization was started in 1960 when John F. Kennedy challenged college students to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. More than 178,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps in hundreds of developing nations.