Apply for the Fully-funded IREX Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program 2026: Become a CEE Program Fellow!
The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program is a prestigious global initiative designed to foster civil society leaders who are dedicated to transforming communities around the world.
The CEE Program offers emerging leaders the chance to enhance their leadership abilities, expand their professional networks, and work on community-driven projects that address the critical challenges of the 21st century.
The application window for the 2026 CEE Program is open from April 23, 2025, to May 22, 2025, providing young leaders with the opportunity to develop their skills and create lasting change.
Program Overview
The CEE Program is a year-long leadership development experience for individuals ages 21-27. It equips fellows with the knowledge and resources to work effectively with communities in the United States and abroad.
The program’s dynamic approach includes hands-on experiences, professional training, and opportunities for global networking, making it a transformative opportunity for dedicated civil society leaders.
Key Components of the CEE Program:
- Three-month Practicum in the United States: Fellows are matched with civil society organizations across the U.S. for a three-month practicum. This hands-on experience allows fellows to apply their skills in real-world settings, supported by mentors and peers in U.S.-based organizations.
- Leadership and Civic Engagement Academy: Fellows will engage in a rigorous curriculum that includes service learning, face-to-face trainings, mentorship, professional coaching, and participation in a global network of peers and experts. These experiences help fellows understand community engagement and leadership on a global scale.
- Community Engagement Project (CEP): Fellows will work with their U.S. host organization and mentors to design a community engagement project tailored to their home country. Upon returning home, they will implement these projects, contributing to their local community’s development.
- Community Engagement Project (CEP) Exchange: Select U.S. hosts and CEE specialists will travel to the fellow’s home country to support the implementation of their community engagement projects. This exchange ensures that both the U.S. and the host country benefit from shared learning and collaboration.
Eligibility Criteria
The CEE Program is open to emerging civil society leaders who meet the following criteria:
- Age: 21-27 years old.
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries (listed below).
- Current Residence: Applicants must be living and working in their home country at the time of application. Special consideration will be given to individuals with refugee status who are working on behalf of their home community.
- Professional Experience: A minimum of two years of professional or volunteer experience working on community or civil society issues.
- Community Engagement: Applicants should be involved in a community engagement initiative in their home country, either in a professional or volunteer capacity, with the intention to pursue a career in civil society or community work.
- U.S. J-1 Visa: Applicants must be able to receive a U.S. J-1 Visa to participate in the program.
- Commitment to Return: Fellows must commit to returning to their home country after completing the program and implementing a community-based project.
- English Proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English at the time of application. Semifinalists will be required to take a Duolingo English language test to verify proficiency.
Ineligible Applicants:
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Individuals currently participating in academic, training, or research programs in the U.S. or another country.
- Individuals residing or working outside their home countries at the time of application, unless they are refugees working on behalf of their home community.
- Individuals who have not fulfilled the two-year home residency requirement after participating in a previous U.S. government-sponsored exchange program.
- Individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years.
Financial Support
The CEE Program provides substantial financial support, covering most costs associated with the fellowship:
- J-1 Visa Support: The program covers visa fees and related expenses.
- Round-Trip Travel: The program covers the cost of round-trip travel from the fellow’s home city to the United States.
- Monthly Allowance: Fellows receive a stipend to cover housing, meals, and other living expenses while in the U.S.
- Health Benefits: Accident and sickness health benefits are provided for the duration of the program.
Eligible Countries by Region
The CEE Program is open to civil society leaders from the following countries:
- 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.
How to Apply
To apply for the 2026 Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program, interested individuals must submit their application by May 22, 2025. Before applying, applicants are encouraged to carefully review the program’s FAQ document for detailed eligibility information and instructions. For additional inquiries, applicants can contact the program team at [email protected].
The CEE Program offers a unique opportunity for young civil society leaders to engage in meaningful work that will help address critical issues in their communities. Apply by May 22, 2025, and take the next step in becoming a change-maker in your community!
