The Peace Corps: An Equal Opportunity Experience

In 1960, then-Senator John F. Kennedy spoke to students at the University of Michigan and challenged them to “serve your country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries.” A short time later, on March 1, 1961, President John F. Kennedy officially established the Peace Corps.

The Peace Corps’ mission is three-fold: helping the people of interested countries in meeting their needs for trained men and women; helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served; and helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of all Americans.

To date, more than 182,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps in 138 countries. Currently, 7,810 volunteers and trainees are in the corps. Slightly more than half are women (58 percent), and the vast majority are single (91 percent). People of color account for 16 percent of volunteers.

The average age of a Peace Corps volunteer is 28. Six percent of volunteers are over 50, with the oldest volunteer being 79. Most volunteers, 96 percent, hold a college degree.

The Peace Corps sends volunteers to countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Central America. They serve in both rural and urban areas.

Volunteers come from all regions of the United States and all walks of life. In the corps, social workers, teachers, engineers, computer programmers, and business people can help. The Peace Corps utilizes environmental, agricultural, and health volunteers.

Those who volunteer learn about other cultures in the best way possible, by living it. The Peace Corps provides language training.

The Peace Corps can provide invaluable experience to the recent college graduate. It is open to retirees who wish to give back to the community. Married couples can get assignments together. Those between careers or dissatisfied with their currents jobs can find fulfillment through service in the Peace Corps.

For more information, visit the website peacecorps.gov.