Apply for Community Engagement Exchange Program 2025, This fellowship opportunity is presented by IREX, The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program, funded by the U.S. Government and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is implemented with the support of IREX.
CEE is a vibrant global network of changemakers committed to addressing pressing 21st-century challenges through community-based solutions. The program empowers emerging civic leaders with the knowledge, tools, and cross-sector strategies needed to foster inclusive and resilient communities—both in the U.S. and worldwide.
This transformative, year-long leadership development experience is tailored for civil society leaders aged 21–27, helping them leverage networks, collaborations, and data-driven insights for lasting public impact.
Read the full article to explore important details such as Funding Amount, Eligibility Criteria, and the Selection Process — and be sure to apply before the deadline!
Last Date of Application: 22nd May 2025
Goals (Apply for Community Engagement Exchange Program 2025)
- Prepare the next generation of decision makers, thought leaders, and community activists, empowering participants to assume greater leadership roles in their institutions and communities and creating a pipeline of global leaders.
- Build capacity for civil society leaders and civil society organizations by equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to be informed and active members of their communities.
- Strengthen participants’ ability to lead collaboratively and ethically, while addressing issues of public concern.
- Develop a global network of civil society and community leaders that contribute to a global civil society eco-system and work together to develop multifaceted and innovative approaches to healthy and resilient communities.
Components (Apply for Community Engagement Exchange Program 2025)
Fellowship components include:
- Three-month Practicum in the United States: IREX matches CEE fellows to civil society organizations throughout the United States. Designated supervisors and peers support the fellows through a three-month, hands-on professional practicum.
- Leadership and Civic Engagement Academy: CEE fellows explore the program themes through interactive curriculum that includes service learning, face-to-face trainings, mentorship, professional coaching, and inclusion in a global network.
- Community Engagement Project (CEP): With the help of their U.S. host organization and mentors, CEE fellows design and plan a community engagement project to carry out after they return home. Once the fellows depart the U.S., they put these projects into action in their home communities.
- Community Engagement Project (CEP) Exchange: Select U.S. hosts and CEE specialists will travel to a CEE alumnus’ country and work collaboratively to support the fellow’s project implementation and bring back what they learn to strengthen communities across the United States or their home country.
Financial Support (Apply for Community Engagement Exchange Program 2025)
The program covers the cost of most expenses associated with:
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip travel from participants’ home city to the U.S.
- Monthly allowance to cover housing, meals, and other living expenses while in the U.S. and
- Accident and sickness health benefits
Geographic Focus (Apply for Community Engagement Exchange Program 2025)
Eligible countries by region
Africa: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
East Asia and the Pacific: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Europe and Eurasia: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia.
Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia.
South and Central Asia: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
Western Hemisphere: Bolivia, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Peru, and Venezuela.
Eligibility Criteria (Apply for Community Engagement Exchange Program 2025)
Competition for the CEE Program is merit-based and open to emerging civil society and community leaders who meet the following criteria:
- Age 21-27;
- Citizen of one of the eligible countries
- Currently living and working in their home country at the time of application;
- Special consideration can be given to individuals living in another country who have refugee status and are working on behalf of their home community.
- Has a minimum of two-years professional or volunteer experience, working on community or civil society issues, at the time of application;
- Working on a community engagement initiative in their home country, either in a professional or volunteer capacity, with a demonstrated intent and vision to pursue a career working to support civil society or within the civil society sector;
- Able to begin the CEE Program in the United States in 2026;
- Able to receive a U.S. J-1 Visa.
Ineligibility Criteria (Apply for Community Engagement Exchange Program 2025)
- Individuals in the following circumstances are not eligible for the U.S.-based CEE Program:
- S. citizens and/or permanent residents of the United States;
- Individuals participating in academic, training, or research programs in the United States or other countries at the time of application;
- Individuals residing or working outside their home countries at the time of application unless the individual is a refugee or holds special refugee status and is working on behalf of their home country/community;
- Individuals who have participated in an exchange visitor program sponsored or funded by the U.S. government (e.g., U.S. Department of State Public Affairs Section of U.S. embassies, or other U.S. government agencies) who have not fulfilled their two-year home residency requirement by the time of application.
How to Apply?
To apply fill in the online application form
Learn more about the opportunity, check official website here
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