The Peace Corps, founded in 1960 by John F. Kennedy, who was then a senator, is an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.

Peace Corps volunteers live and work in developing countries on issues ranging from AIDS education to information technology, and environmental preservation.

To join the Peace Corps, volunteers must be at least 18 years old and U.S. citizens. The volunteers fill out an application, which assesses their skills and aptitudes to determine acceptance and placement.

If accepted, volunteers serve in two-year rotations. They are provided with shelter and food typical of their service communities.

At the end of service, the volunteers receive a sum of money to aid them in their return home.

For more information on the Peace Corps, log on to www.peacecorps.gov.