FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, July 8, 2010

Peace Corps Partners with Teach For America

Teach For America is the fifth AmeriCorps program to partner with Peace Corps in 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 8, 2010 The Peace Corps and Teach For America have partnered to help recruit the next generation of Peace Corps volunteers and further prepare Teach For America alumni for careers in todays global marketplace.

Teach For America provides young Americans the practical skills to be successful and effective educators in our nations public schools, said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams. I am excited to have Teach For America alumni apply their commitment to educational equity and excellence to Peace Corps service worldwide.

Teach For America will encourage its alumni to consider serving in local communities abroad with Peace Corps. The Peace Corps will, in turn, encourage returned volunteers to consider opportunities with Teach For America.

We are very supportive of the Peace Corps efforts to expand opportunities for children and families in developing countries, said Teach For America CEO and Founder Wendy Kopp. Serving in the Peace Corps is one important way that Teach For America alumni can utilize their knowledge, skills, and insight to help level the playing field for young people around the world.

Teach For America is one of the nations largest providers of teachers for low-income communities. It joins Americas Service Commissions, City Year, the Corps Network, and the National Association of Community Health Centers as the fifth AmeriCorps program to partner with the Peace Corps. This fall, more than 8,200 Teach For America teachers will serve in 39 urban and rural communities and impact some 500,000 students. Teach For America has more than 20,000 alumni. To learn more about Teach For America, please visit: www.teachforamerica.org.

As Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world with 7,671 volunteers serving in 77 host countries. Historically, nearly 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

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