1980s
- December 29, 1981
- Peace Corps becomes an independent federal agency and is no longer a part of ACTION.
- January 1983
- The longest–serving Peace Corps Director, Loret Miller Ruppe, and USAID Director M. Peter McPherson sign a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Small Project Assistance (SPA) program. Since then, the SPA program has supported small, community–initiated grants and has facilitated technical assistance and training activities. Today, SPA funds activities in over 40 Peace Corps posts.
- September 1985
- Months before the agency's 25th anniversary, there are more women entering service than men, a first in the agency's history.
- 1988
- Barbara Jo White, a Volunteer in the Dominican Republic (1987–1989), creates the first World Map Project at a local school. Volunteers today continue to use the project as an educational tool worldwide.
Last updated Jun 12 2013
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Presidential Visits
Rose Garden Ceremony
- August 28, 1961
Sargent Shriver
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