The Citizens Development Corps (CDC) was formed in 1989 by President George H. W. Bush as the “Citizens Democracy Corps.” Historically, it has focused on assisting the formerly communist nations of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union transition to democracy and a market-based economy. The organization is an independent 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization (NGO); however, most of its funding comes from the United States government, since it is primarily an implementer of USAID projects. The CDC is headquartered in Washington, DC and operates in numerous countries throughout Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South & Central America. Its programs utilize local and US-based consultants, volunteer experts, and long-term volunteers.
Divisions
- The MBA Enterprise Corps (MBAEC) sends recently graduated MBAs from 52 affiliated US business schools to long-term volunteer assignments (up to 15 months) in transitioning economies throughout the world. The MBAEC was originally created by Dr. Jack N. Behrman at University of North Carolina's Kenan-Flager School of Business as an independent nonprofit organization, and has since been merged with the Citizens Development Corps.
- The Tourism Development Corps (TDC) was formed in 2005 to specifically assist in the development of sustainable tourism in developing countries.
