FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, April 6, 2000

Peace Corps Launches New Online Volunteer Application; Prospective Volunteers Can Now Submit Their Applications Over the Internet For 'The Toughest Job You'll Ever Love'

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 6, 2000—Peace Corps Director Mark Schneider announced today that Americans who want to serve as Peace Corps volunteers can now fill out an application and submit it over the Internet. The agency\'s new online application will make it much easier for people to apply for "the toughest job you\'ll ever love."

"For the past few years, the Peace Corps\' Web site has been an effective recruiting tool, and it promises to become even more important in the years ahead," Schneider said. "Americans are increasingly comfortable with, if not expecting, interaction through the Web for all matters. We want to make it as easy as possible for people who want to serve in the Peace Corps to apply and submit their applications."

Prospective volunteers can access the application at the Peace Corps\' Web site: www.peacecorps.gov.

"The Peace Corps is placing a new emphasis on integrating computer and information technology into volunteer projects in developing countries. We hope that the new online application will enable us to recruit more technology savvy volunteers," Schneider said.

The updated Web site provides prospective Peace Corps volunteers with easy access to local recruiting events, a free, downloadable Peace Corps screensaver, and recruitment information in Spanish. In addition, the site contains stories written by current and former Peace Corps volunteers, and a special section for educators and children.

Prospective applicants can still download the application from the Web site, or request that an application be mailed to them from their local recruiting office.

Today, nearly 7,000 Peace Corps volunteers are working in 77 countries to bring clean water to communities, teach children, protect the environment, help start new businesses, and prevent the spread of AIDS. Since 1961, more than 155,000 Americans have joined the Peace Corps, serving in 134 countries.

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