Peace Corps

Background

Peace Corps was offically established on March 1, 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to promote world peace and friendship by providing American Volunteers to contribute to the social, economic and human development of the host countries in which they serve. Since then, more than 187,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps in 139 countries.

Mission

• To help people of interested countries in meetiing their needs for trained men and women
• To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served
• To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans

Core Expectations (modified)

The core expectations of the Peace Corps modified for service in Romania. Download the Modified Core Expectations document.

Facts about Peace Corps

Since 1961, the Peace Corps has shared America's most precious resource with the world - its people. Peace Corps Volunteers serve in 67 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. Download the 2009 Peace Corps Fact Sheet.

Statistical Summary of Peace Corps Worldwide

History

• Peace Corps officially established: March 1, 1961
• Total number of Volunteers to date: 195,000
• Total number of countries served: 139

Volunteers

• Current number of Volunteers and Trainees: 7,876
• Gender: 60% female, 40% male
• Marital Status: 94% single, 6% married
• Minorities: 15% of Peace Corps Volunteers
• Age: 27 years old (average), 25 years old (median)
• Volunteers over age 50: 5% (oldest Volunteer is 84)
• Education: 94% have undergraduate degrees, 11% have graduate studies/degrees

Countries/Projects

• Current number of countries served: 70 posts serving 76 countries
• Volunteers by Work Area
  • Education-35%
  • Health and HIV/AIDS-21%
    Download the PC 2009 HIV-AIDS Factsheet
  • Business Development-15%
  • Environment-15%
  • Youth-5%
  • Agriculture-5%
  • Other-4%

Budget

• Fiscal year 2009 budget: $340 million

For further information on Peace Corps, visit the official Peace Corps website, www.peacecorps.gov

"Having a Peace Corps Volunteer really helped us pull in all the necessary stakeholders in a positive manner.” - Park Administrator