The program comprises a four-month fellowship in the United States, where candidates will complete hands-on professional experience and leadership training to enhance managerial and leadership skills.
IREX Community Solutions Program 2027 | DETAILS
The program aims to develop the leadership potential of individuals working to improve their communities by addressing issues related to the environment, peace and conflict resolution, transparency and accountability, and women and gender.
The program will afford the candidate the opportunity to design and plan a community development initiative or project to carry out after they return home and lots of other opportunities. The program comes with financial support to assist the successful candidates.
Financial Support
The program covers the cost of expenses to include:
- 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.
- Accident and sickness insurance.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the IREX Community Solutions Program 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements listed (below):
- Must be between the ages of 25 and 38 as of January 1, 2027
- Citizen of an eligible country.
- Living and working in your home country. Individuals with refugee status working on behalf of their home community may be given special consideration.
- Possess at least two years of experience working in community development, either as a full-time or part-time employee or volunteer.
- Possess high level of proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Not currently participating in an academic, training, or research program in the U.S.
- Available to travel to the U.S. for four months from August to December 2027.
- Not a citizen or permanent resident within the past three years.
- Eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
- Committed to return to your home country for a minimum of two years after program completion.
- Not currently an IREX employee or consultant, or their immediate family member.
Eligible Countries:
- Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
- East Asia and the Pacific: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam
- Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey, and Ukraine
- Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank/Palestinian Territories
- South and Central Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
- Western Hemisphere: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: Interested applicants for the IREX Community Solutions Program 2027 should only submit an online application at https://oas.irex.org/csp on or before the application deadline. Applications that are mailed, faxed or emailed to IREX will not be accepted. Only direct further questions via email to: cspapply@irex.org.
Application Deadline: November 2, 2026
Visit the Official Website for Further Details
FAQs
1. What is the IREX Community Solutions Program 2026–2027?
The IREX Community Solutions Program is a fully funded professional exchange program that provides emerging leaders from around the world the opportunity to live in the United States for 5–6 months. Participants engage in professional development, hands-on work experiences, and community service projects to enhance their skills and promote global understanding.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the program?
Eligible applicants are early to mid-career professionals or emerging leaders, typically aged 25–35, with a strong commitment to community development. Candidates must demonstrate leadership potential, proficiency in English, and a clear plan for applying their experience to benefit their communities after returning home.
3. What does the fully funded program cover?
The program covers round-trip travel to the United States, visa support, health insurance, housing, a living stipend, professional development training, and cultural activities. Participants are also supported with mentoring and networking opportunities throughout the program.
4. How can I apply for the IREX Community Solutions Program 2026–2027?
Applications are submitted online through the official IREX website. Applicants need to complete an application form, submit a CV or résumé, write essays outlining their leadership goals, and provide references. It is important to carefully follow the application instructions and deadlines, as incomplete submissions may not be considered.