Ed note: I just received the sad but expected message below from the National Peace Corps Office. Please note that this beloved creation of President John F. Kenney has a very modest budget. Peace Corps: ~$430.5 million; Department of State $61.6 billion; Department of Defense $895 billion
“On Monday, April 28, National Peace Corps Association learned that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has instructed the Peace Corps to identify additional efficiencies in its staffing structure, and the agency is expecting the need for significant restructuring at Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The Peace Corps has informed NPCA that the agency “will continue to recruit, place, and train volunteers, and remain committed to supporting their health, safety and security, and effective service.”
Federal employees at Peace Corps are again being offered a “deferred resignation program” option, for which they may apply by Tuesday, May 6. Similar to other federal agencies, this program would allow staff to be put on paid administrative leave through September 30, 2025, at which time their agency employment would conclude. While Peace Corps Volunteer efforts will continue, NPCA is concerned by any proposal to reduce the support necessary to ensure their quality training, support, and well-being. We remain concerned that an already lean agency will be forced to sacrifice services for current Peace Corps applicants, Volunteers, and alumni.”