The U.S. Peace Corps and the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Technologia, National Council on Science and Technology (CONACYT) of Mexico will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as part of the 'Partnership for Prosperity' initiative that was launched by U.S. President George W. Bush and Mexican President Vincente Fox at their summit in September 2001.

Working in conjunction with CONACYT, Peace Corps will develop a program that meets the needs of CONACYT in areas such as information technology, small business development, science and technology, and sustainable development.

Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez, CONACYT Director Jaime Parada Avila, United States Ambassador Tony Garza, and Mexico Ambassador Juan Jose Bremer joined in the signing of the MOU between U.S. Peace Corps and Mexico's CONACYT.

Since 1961, more than 168,000 volunteers have served in 135 countries working in such diverse fields as education, health, HIV/AIDs education and awareness, information technology, business development, the environment, and agriculture. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.

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