About the Peace Corps
Since 1961, the Peace Corps has shared with the world America''s most precious resource – its people. Peace Corps Volunteers serve in 74 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. Collaborating with local community members, Volunteers work in areas like education, youth outreach and community development, the environment, and information technology.

Coming from all walks of life and representing the rich diversity of the American people, Volunteers range in age from college students to retirees. Every Peace Corps Volunteer''s experience is different. From teaching English to elementary school children in Zambia to launching a computer learning center in Moldova to promoting HIV/AIDS awareness in South Africa to working on soil conservation in Panama, Volunteers bring their skills and life experiences to where they are needed most.

History
Over four decades of Peace Corps. And it''s still growing.

Since 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries, more than 195,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 139 countries all over the globe. They''ve been teachers and mentors to countless children. They''ve helped farmers grow crops, worked with small businesses to market products, and shown women how to care for their babies. More recently, they''ve helped schools develop computer skills and educated entire communities about the threat of HIV/AIDS.

Throughout its history, the Peace Corps has adapted and responded to the issues of the times. In an ever-changing world, Peace Corps Volunteers meet new challenges with innovation, creativity, determination, and compassion. These are the qualities that have allowed—and continue to allow the Peace Corps to achieve its mission