The Peace Corps

President John F. Kennedy officially established the Peace Corp on March 1st, 1961, and it was formally authorized by Congress in September of that year with the passage of the Peace Corps Act. It enjoys bipartisan support in Congress, as senators and representatives from both parties have served as Peace Corps Volunteers.

As of 2024, more than 240,000 Americans have worked to fulfill President Kennedy's vision of helping less fortunate countries by sending able-bodied young college graduates where they were needed around the world. The Peace Corps is an independent agency and program of the U.S. government that continues to this day.

About Sargent Shriver

The Sargent Shriver Peace Institute cites the following about its namesake: Sargent Shriver was one of our nation’s most influential public figures. His legacy of social innovation and achievement is rooted in his spiritually driven idealism and formidable political skill—cultivating allies, engaging critics, and working tirelessly to promote public understanding of his ambitious and often controversial programs and proposals. The breadth and reach of this legacy is illuminated by the set of core values Sarge carried with him and shared throughout his lifetime: civil rights, peace-building, political leadership, empowerment government, equal opportunity, service, faith, and family. Learn more at Sargent Shriver Peace Institute.