IREX Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program for Civil Society Leaders (Fully-Funded)

Are you an innovator committed to addressing key 21st-century challenges within your communities? Then, the IREX Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program is custom-made for you.

The Community Engagement Exchange Program was established to empower civil society leaders who are between the ages of 21 to 27 years with the resources, skills, and networks necessary to foster healthy and engaged communities across more than 100 countries.

The program is going to be held in the United States and participants must be residing and working in any of the countries listed. Do check below for more details:

Program Overview

The CEE Program offers a transformative leadership development experience over the course of one year, focusing on civic dialogue and peacebuilding, open and participatory government, women’s and gender issues, environmental sustainability, and youth engagement. Key components include:

• Three-Month Practicum in the United States: Fellows are matched with civil society organizations throughout the U.S., where they engage in a hands-on professional practicum with support from designated supervisors and peers.
• Leadership and Civic Engagement Academy: Fellows delve into program themes through an interactive curriculum that includes service learning, face-to-face training, mentorship, professional coaching, and integration into a global network.
• Community Engagement Project (CEP): With guidance from their U.S. host organization and mentors, fellows design a community engagement project to implement upon returning home.
• CEP Exchange: Select U.S. hosts and CEE specialists will visit a fellow’s home country to collaborate on project implementation and bring back insights to strengthen communities in the U.S. or their home country.

Eligibility Requirements

The Community Engagement Exchange Program is competitive and open to emerging civil society and community leaders who meet the following criteria:

• Age: 21-27 years old
• Citizenship: Citizen of an eligible country (see list below)
• Residence: Currently living and working in their home country
  • Special consideration for those with refugee status working on behalf of their home community
• Experience: At least two years of professional or volunteer experience in community or civil society issues
• Project Involvement: Engaged in a community initiative with a clear vision for a career in civil society
• Availability: Able to start the program in the U.S. in 2025 and obtain a U.S. J-1 Visa
• Commitment: Willing to return to their home country post-program to implement a community project
• Language Proficiency: Proficient in spoken and written English
  • Semifinalists must take a Duolingo English test
  • Finalists should be able to communicate effectively in English on both familiar and unfamiliar topics

Eligible Countries

Africa: Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Financial Support

The program covers most expenses, including:

• J-1 visa support
• Round-trip travel from the participant’s home city to the U.S.
• Monthly allowance for housing, meals, and living expenses
• Accident and sickness health benefits

Application Information

The application for the 2025 CEE fellowship is now open and closes on July 2, 2024. For questions, please refer to the CEE Program Frequently Asked Questions document or email [email protected].

For more information, visit the Official Webpage of the IREX Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program.