The Peace Corps, known for dispatching volunteers to international locations for service projects, has introduced a new program named Tech Corps. This effort targets individuals with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or those possessing work backgrounds in artificial intelligence, assigning them to cooperating nations overseas.
As outlined in an official announcement, participants will serve in Peace Corps partner nations involved in the American AI Exports Program. Established last year through a presidential directive issued by former President Trump, this initiative aims to strengthen America's influence in the international AI landscape. Corps members will apply AI solutions to challenges in areas such as farming, schooling, medical care, and financial growth.
The setup provides options for hands-on or remote roles lasting between 12 and 27 months, complete with accommodations, medical coverage, daily allowances, and a recognition bonus for those stationed abroad in person.
Acting Peace Corps Director Richard E. Swarttz stated in the release that these volunteers aim to 'build technical capacity, support AI adoption across critical use cases and address barriers to last-mile AI implementation.' Although presented as an aid to recipient nations, the Tech Corps effort also reinforces the United States' standing in the fast-growing worldwide AI sector, where it faces intensifying rivalry from China.