Peace Corps at UW-Madison

Upholding the Wisconsin Idea

Peace Corps is an international service organization of the United States that focuses on service beyond the borders of the country. The Peace Corps sends American citizens abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Peace Corps Volunteers work at the grassroots level toward sustainable change that lives on long after their service while at the same time becoming global citizens and serving their country. Through their service, Volunteers return home as global citizens with new perspectives. They have cross-cultural, leadership, language, teaching and community development skills that give them a competitive edge for advanced education and job opportunities in today’s global economy. They return prepared to respond to President John F. Kennedy’s challenge – to “ask what you can do for your country.”

The UW system is a state level organization that has from its early years focused on education beyond the borders of the campus. The UW-Extension system was ground-breaking in its time, and has worked in communities all over the state to provide research, ideas and tools to tackle their most pressing needs. Over time the Wisconsin Idea has come to signify more broadly the university’s commitment to public service at a global level. This is evidenced by UW leadership in many areas, including Study Abroad, International Internships, the many global area studies centers, and the Morgridge Center’s Badger Volunteers Program.