The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.

Since that time, more than 187,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have been invited by 139 host countries to work on issues ranging from environmental preservation to information technology and AIDS education.

Appalachian State University has a long and proud history of Peace Corps service.  As of December 2006 there have been a total of 183 Appalachian alumni who have served in the Peace Corps.  Appalachian currently ranks 23rd (among colleges and universities of between 5001--15000 students) in the number of currently serving alumni.

Today's Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in emerging and essential areas such as information technology and business development, and committing more than 1,000 new Volunteers as a part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Peace Corps Volunteers continue to help countless individuals who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities.

  The Peace Corps' mission has three 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 the peoples served.
3. Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Education, youth outreach, and community development Volunteers introduce innovative teaching methodologies, encourage critical thinking in the classroom, and integrate issues like health education and environmental awareness into English, math, science, and other subjects.

Business development Volunteers work in education, private businesses, public organizations, government offices, cooperatives, women's and youth groups, and more.

Environment Volunteers work on a wide variety of activities, from teaching environmental awareness to planting trees within a community.

Agriculture Volunteers work with small farmers to increase food production while promoting environmental conservation practices.

Health Volunteers educate and promote awareness issues such as malnutrition and safe drinking water.

HIV/AIDS Volunteers provide hope and meaningful assistance to people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Information and communications technology (ICT) Volunteers help communities capitalize on technologies by teaching computer and multimedia skills, developing regional databases, and implementing networks for non-governmental organizations, businesses and government offices.

The Peace Corps Regions:

Africa Region
Since Ghana received the first Peace Corps Volunteers in 1961, more than 60,000 Americans have served in 46 African countries. The Peace Corps continues to enjoy strong cooperation and support from the people of Africa. At the end of fiscal year 2006, 2,801 Volunteers and trainees will be on board, working in 25 countries. In 2003, the re-opening of the Chad, Botswana, and Swaziland programs poised the Africa region for substantial growth in the coming years.

Europe, Mediterranean and Asia Region
More than 48,250 Volunteers have served in the Europe, Mediterranean, and Asia (EMA) region since 1961. At the end of fiscal year 2006, EMA will have 2,501 Volunteers and trainees working in 20 countries, most of which are undergoing rapid economic and social changes. Throughout the region, Volunteers work with governments, local organizations, and communities to provide needed technical expertise and promote cross-cultural understanding. Together, Volunteers and their counterparts work to address changing needs in agriculture, business, education, the environment, and health.

Inter-America and Pacific Region
Since the Peace Corps’ inception in 1961, more than 73,000 Volunteers have served in the Inter-America and Pacific (IAP) region. They have served in more than 46 countries. At the end of fiscal year 2006, 2,501 Volunteers will be working in 24 posts in all six of the agency’s sectors: agriculture, business development, education, the environment, health and HIV/AIDS, and youth. The Fiji program was re-opened in 2003 and a program in Mexico opened for the first time in 2004.

Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.