FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, February 19, 2010

Peace Corps Partners with the National Peace Corps Association to Connect Returned Peace Corps Volunteers with American Classrooms

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 19, 2010 The Peace Corps and the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) are pleased to announce a new partnership to connect returned Peace Corps volunteers through Peace Corps Speakers Match program in elementary and secondary school classrooms throughout the United States.

The Speakers Match program is part of Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools program that provides resources based on Peace Corps volunteer experiences. Speakers Match was designed to connect returned Peace Corps volunteers with American classrooms in their local communities. Conversations cover a wide range of issues ranging from public service, foreign cultures, language and geography.

The Peace Corps is committed to helping returned Peace Corps volunteers share their Peace Corps experiences in as many communities as possible, said Peace Corps Chief of Staff Stacy Rhodes. This important partnership with NPCA will help us encourage more RPCVs to share their unique international experiences with the next generation of Peace Corps volunteers.

Peace Corps Coverdell World Wise Schools Speakers Match program contributes to Peace Corps Third Goal of helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

"NPCA is very pleased and honored to partner with the Peace Corps to help it achieve its Third Goal, said Kevin Quigley, president of NPCA. Encouraging returned Peace Corps volunteers to share their Peace Corps experiences in Americas classrooms is exactly the type of work we should be engaged in leading up to the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary.

Returned Peace Corps volunteers can enroll in the Peace Corps Speakers Match program by visiting www.peacecorps.gov/wws/speakersmatch.
Since its founding in 1979, NPCA has helped individuals build upon and extend the Peace Corps experience and values by facilitating their engagement in the global community.

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 76 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. To learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit our website: www.peacecorps.gov.

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