The IREX Community Solutions Program (CSP) 2027 is a professional leadership development fellowship for experienced community leaders. It supports locally driven regional economic growth through a U.S.-based exchange, practical leadership training, and a post-exchange community project.
Eligible applicants must come from countries listed on the official application website and meet the program’s stated requirements.
Application Deadline & Key Dates:
- Application Closing Date: 24 November 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time).
- Semifinalist Notifications: 22 December 2026.
- Finalist & Alternate Notifications: 25 February 2027.
- U.S. Exchange Program Schedule (Planning Dates):
- Orientation: 2–5 August 2027
- U.S. Practicum: 9 August – 29 October 2027
- End-of-Program Workshop: 1–4 November 2027
- Home SCALE-Up Project: December 2027 – September 2028 (9-month implementation period following return home).
Tell Me About The Program:
The Community Solutions Program (CSP) is a professional leadership development exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX. Designed for experienced, results-oriented community leaders, CSP equips participants with technical skills, leadership tools, and cross-sector professional networks to advance local and regional economic development. Fellows complete a 3- to 4-month U.S.-based exchange—highlighted by a 12-week practicum at a U.S. host organization and hands-on Innovation Labs—and then return to their home countries to execute a 9-month community-based “SCALE-Up Project.”
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Regional & Local Economic Development, Business Growth, Workforce Development, Community Prosperity, Applied Emerging Technologies (including AI applications in local industry), Environmental Sustainability, and Civil Society/Community Leadership.
Type:
Fully Funded U.S. Government Professional Exchange Fellowship & Leadership Practicum
Who can Apply:
- Age Limit: Must be between 27 and 39 years old at the time of application.
- Work Experience: Must have at least five years of experience working on community issues with demonstrated, measurable local impact.
- Residency Status: Must be currently living and working in your home country (not residing abroad on academic, training, or research programs).
- English Proficiency: Must have a high level of written and spoken English proficiency. (Semifinalists without valid TOEFL scores must take an approved English language assessment).
- Visa Eligibility: Must be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa and committed to returning to your home country for at least two years post-fellowship.
- Exclusions: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or individuals who applied for U.S. permanent residency within the last three years are ineligible. Past U.S. exchange participants must have fulfilled their 2-year home residency obligation.
How Applicants Are Selected:
Applications are evaluated by an independent Reading Committee based on community experience, track record of measurable impact, project feasibility, leadership potential, and performance during semifinalist recorded interviews.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
- Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda.
- East Asia & Pacific: Cambodia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu.
- Europe: Albania, Belarus, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine.
- Middle East & North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia.
- South & Central Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.
- Western Hemisphere: Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela.
Where will the Program be Taken:
United States (Practicum placements in U.S. host organizations across approximately six regional hubs, alongside workshops in Washington, D.C.), followed by your Home Country for project implementation.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Travel & Visa: Coverage of J-1 visa application support and round-trip international travel.
- Living Allowance: Monthly allowance covering housing, meals, and living expenses while in the U.S.
- Insurance: Comprehensive accident and sickness health coverage.
- Disability & Accessibility Accommodations: Full support including ADA-accessible rooms, sign language interpreters, JAWS software, mobility assistance, and live captioning.
- Professional Development: 12-week hands-on practicum, leadership training, and networking with U.S. economic and community leaders.
How Long Will it Last:
- U.S. Exchange: Approximately 3 to 4 months (August – November 2027).
- Home Project (SCALE-Up): 9 months (December 2027 – September 2028).
Application Policies (AI & Authenticity):
Applicants are permitted to use Super Intelligence (SI) / AI tools to edit or refine their essays; however, all content must authentically reflect the applicant’s own experience, results, and learning goals. Applicants must disclose their use of AI tools on the application.
How to Apply:
- Review eligibility requirements and confirm your country’s eligibility on the IREX portal.
- Register and create an online candidate profile at the official IREX CSP Application Portal.
- Complete all application sections, detail your 5+ years of community experience, and articulate your proposed SCALE-Up project concept.
- Submit your application online before the deadline on 24 November 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
- For inquiries, email the program team at
[email protected].
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
