Peace Corps - Office of Communications

The Peace Corps recruits U.S. citizens to serve in more than 70 countries around the world. At Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C., staff work to recruit a new generation of Volunteers, support the work of those currently serving overseas, offer resources to teachers and students, and provide support to returned Volunteers.

More than 165,000 volunteers have served in 135 countries since the Peace Corps was established in 1961. Today, nearly 7,000 volunteers serve in programs in the areas of education, health and HIV/AIDS, information technology, business development, the environment, and agriculture. The mission of the Peace Corps is to help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women; to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served; and to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.