These days the ranks of the Peace Corps are being filled by an unlikely group– those age 50 or older. They comprise over 5 percent of the Peace Corps’ 8,079 volunteers and the applications from this age group have gone up almost 40 percent this year. As more baby boomers reach retirement, they feel a draw towards service and the Peace Corps is one way in which they can share their knowledge and experience with the world. What this group of remarkable volunteers shows us is that Americans, no matter what age, have an unwavering passion to serve– to make a difference in this world. 

The U.S. Public Service Academy would give young people the opportunity to serve their country without having to worry about the usual hardships involved in financing education. Like these baby boomers who finally have the time and resources to serve, Academy graduates will be free from the stresses of student loan repayment and would be able to focus on serving this great nation of ours. Just think of how wonderful a place our world could be if citizens had the opportunity and resources to serve their entire lives.