Peace Corps

Peace Corps, agency of the U.S. government established to help raise living standards in developing countries and to promote international friendship and understanding. Peace Corps projects, ranging from farm assistance to nursing instruction, are established at the request of the host country. Its volunteers normally serve for 2 years. The program was initiated by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 and transferred to ACTION, the agency coordinating federal volunteer programs in 1971.

See also: Shriver, Sargent.