Peace Corps

Since 1960, when senator John F. Kennedy first challenged the youth of the University of Michigan to  "serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries", 210,000+ volunteers have served in 139 host countries.  

The Peace Corps has 3 simple goals:

1. Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women. 
2.  Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of these peoples served. 
3.  Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. 

Peace Corps Demographics: 

    Current number of Volunteers and Trainees: 8,073 
    Gender: 62% female, 38% male
    Marital Status: 93% single, 7% married
    Average Age: 28 
    Volunteers over the age of 50: 7%

Volunteers by Work Area 
    
    Education: 43%
    Health: 21%
    Community Economic Development: 12% 
    Environment: 12% 
    Youth in Development: 6% 
    Agriculture: 4%
    Other: 2% 

Where Volunteers Serve

    Africa: 43%
    Latin America: 21%
    Eastern Europe/Central Asia: 15%
    Asia: 10%
    The Caribbean: 4%
    Northern Africa/Middle East: 4%
    Pacific Islands: 3%