FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, May 24, 2013

Peace Corps Receives Prestigious Government-Wide CEAR Award for Sixth Consecutive Year, and ‘Best in Class’ Award

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 24, 2013 – The Peace Corps this week received the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) Certificate of Excellence in Accountability Reporting (CEAR) award for the agency’s fiscal year 2012 Performance and Accountability Report. This is the sixth consecutive year the Peace Corps has been presented with the award, which recognizes the highest standards of federal accountability reporting.

The AGA acknowledged the Peace Corps’ report as evidence of a real commitment to accountability and transparency and continuous improvement across the agency. The Peace Corps also received the distinguished ‘Best in Class’ award for the most comprehensive and candid presentation of forward-looking information. This is the second year in a row that Peace Corps has received a ‘Best in Class’ award for a specific point of excellence in the agency’s performance reporting.

“The Peace Corps is honored to receive these awards and proud to continue to be an example of fiscal responsibility and openness in government,” Peace Corps Deputy Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet said. “We are always working toward progress and greater efficiency so we can more effectively serve our Volunteers who are so selflessly serving others abroad.”

The Performance and Accountability Report provides detailed information on the agency’s audited financial statements and performance achievements. The report is submitted to the President, Congress, and members of the public as a measure of how well the government is managing programs and finances.

AGA's CEAR program was established in conjunction with the federal Chief Financial Officers Council and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to improve financial and program accountability by streamlining reporting and improving the effectiveness of Performance and Accountability and Annual Financial Reports. Visit AGA’s website for more information.

About the Peace Corps: Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961, more than 210,000 Americans have served in 139 host countries. Today, 8,073 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 host countries in agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health and youth in development. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.

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