Peace Corps

In an unplanned campaign speech in 1960, John F. Kennedy challenged a group of college students to devote two years of their lives to helping people in other countries. With those words, the idea of the Peace Corps was born. In March 1961, President Kennedy signed an order establishing the agency, the purpose of which is to supply skilled workers to developing countries and to foster understanding between Americans and the rest of the world. Since its start, the Peace Corps has sent about 200,000 volunteers into nearly 140 countries to (among other things) teach in schools, assist with agricultural and small business development, administer AIDS awareness programs, and set up computer learning centers.