Through the Community Engagement Exchange Program (CEE) 2026 young leaders across the world receive the chance to earn practical experience while developing their leadership abilities in the United States. The U.S. Government flagship initiative supported by IREX operates the program to foster global change-makers dedicated to advancing healthier constituents in more participatory communities. The fully funded program delivers a powerful leadership development education that supports community engagement and works on global issues of climate change and social innovation to enable emerging leaders create meaningful change at home.
Overview
The Community Engagement Exchange Program (CEE) runs over a full year to develop new community leadership abilities for the upcoming generation. As part of the program participants spend three months in the United States during which time they acquire hands-on experience related to community engagement and volunteerism along with civic leadership skills. Fellows will interact with dedicated organizations and fellow professionals while developing their professional abilities and establishing expanded networks. During their involvement participants will concentrate on essential themes which consist of climate change and community-based agriculture and entrepreneurship while developing methods to successfully activate communities toward solving worldwide challenges.
Through this program participants will gain the expertise along with practical training combined with essential professional contacts necessary to create positive social transformations and obtain useful knowledge for their community return. The program creates possibilities for intercultural learning together with leadership training and long-lasting work relationships among professionals.
Additional Details
Through the U.S. Government sponsorship the Community Engagement Exchange Program 2026 uses non-profit organization IREX to manage its operations since IREX plays a vital role in facilitating educational and cultural exchange since its foundation decades ago. Through the program participants develop mutual trust which leads them towards finding solutions for urgent public matters. The program indicates that democratic governance together with inclusive models of development and volunteerism produce beneficial societal transformations.
The year-long program consists of:
The program incorporates a three-month worldwide fieldwork assignment at organizations that work for community development inside the U.S.
The Leadership and Civic Engagement Academy provides workshops alongside skill-building sessions to all participants.
Among the program’s activities fellows pursue community engagement projects through practical application of their acquired knowledge.
Date
- Program Duration: 12 months
- Application Deadline: May 22, 2025
Country
The primary location of the Community Engagement Exchange Program runs in the United States where participants participate in activities regarding community organizations and leadership training and U.S.-based civic engagement methods.
Funding
- The Community Engagement Exchange Program offers full funding which supports multiple aspects of fellows’ expenses when selected for participation in the program.
- The participants receive fully funded travel costs which pay for round-trip plane tickets from their home nation to the United States.
- The program provides fellows with both accommodation and nutrition expenses covered through monthly payment allowances for maintaining their lives.
- Healthcare insurance coverage will be extended to all fellows while they remain in the United States.
- The fellowship program ensures that participants get assistance to obtain their J-1 visa needed to join the program.
- The complete financial resources enable fellows to direct their attention toward development as they won’t be plagued by monetary stresses.
Advantages
- The Community Engagement Exchange Program offers many advantages to its participating fellows.
- All costs covering travel expenses together with lodging along with daily subsistence are fully provided through this opportunity.
- Community Engagement Fellowships provide participants with opportunities to take workshops followed by practical leadership training and important experience in community work.
- Students will benefit from international connections with both leaders and professionals as well as experts from across the globe by joining this program.
- Through this opportunity you will discover U.S. culture alongside its unique methods for community-based projects and sustainable development and volunteerism practices.
- The experience provides both career-related knowledge and professional contacts that strengthen positions in community development leadership fields.
- The fellowship members will participate in top-tier discussions with officials and field experts and community members while accessing valuable leadership practices knowledge.
Requirements
- The Community Engagement Exchange Program 2026 welcomes applicants who fulfill the mentioned eligibility requirements.
- The age requirement for prospective applicants ranges from 21 to 27 years during their application period.
- All interested candidates must hold citizenship of any of the accepted countries which extend to Africa, East Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South and Central Asia and the Western Hemisphere.
- The application demands candidates should have spent at least two professional years or two years of active volunteer service by the time they apply.
- All participants must demonstrate sufficient English abilities since it serves as the program requirement for active participation.
- Each applicant needs to prove their involvement in social activities and community work through documented evidence.
- Respondents must pledge complete dedication to their home nation following the program to conduct service efforts within their community for two consecutive years.
- A necessary requirement for the program is the ability to secure the J-1 student visa before participating in the program activities.
Required Documents
- A successful Community Engagement Exchange Program application requires candidates to present these documents:
- Application Form: Complete the online application form.
- Students must present an updated professional resume and volunteer summary that details their qualifications through CV/Resume.
- The required documents must show evidence of two years spent working professionally or by volunteering.
- The requirement of recommendation letters consists of professional endorsements written by your mentors and supervisors.
- English Language Proficiency Certificate: IELTS, TOEFL, or any other proof of English proficiency (if applicable).
- You will need a medical certificate that shows your healthcare provider has granted you a good health status.
- The personal statement requires you to detail your program interest alongside your community work alongside examples of how the program will propel you to reach your professional objectives.
Deadline
Prospective applicants need to submit their applications for the Community Engagement Exchange Program 2026 by May 22, 2025. All documents must reach before the stated deadline to qualify for this inspiring program.
How to Apply
- Submit the program application through the official website where you should finish the online application form.
- You need to collect all essential documents that include your CV together with recommendation letters and medical certificate and all other mandatory materials.
- Before the deadline send your fully completed application through the online system.
- The waiting process begins with an invitation to participate in subsequent assessments followed by interviews.
Apply Here: https://cee.irex.org/Account/Login
