Community Solutions Fellowship Program | Call for Applications
The U.S. Department of State and IREX invite experienced community leaders to apply for the 2027 Community Solutions Program (CSP). Participants complete a U.S. exchange and then lead a community project at home. Confirm deadline before applying.
Program Snapshot
- Host Organization: U.S. Department of State, administered by IREX
- Funding: J-1 visa support, round-trip travel, monthly living allowance, and health coverage
- Duration: About three to four months in the U.S., then a nine-month home project
- Planned Dates: Orientation 2 to 5 August, practicum 9 August to 29 October, and workshop 1 to 4 November 2027
- Age Range: 27 to 39 years
- Deadline: Confirm with IREX
Focus Areas
- Regional economic development
- Community leadership and management
- Business, workforce, and local government partnerships
- Emerging technology for local industries
About the Fellowship
CSP builds the skills of results-oriented community leaders. Participants complete a 12-week practicum with a U.S. host organization. They work alongside U.S. professionals and join regional field visits. They also take hands-on Innovation and Applied Skills Labs. During the exchange, participants study U.S. economic development models. Back home, they run a nine-month SCALE-Up Project. It adapts at least one U.S. model, tool, or partnership approach to local needs.
What Fellows Receive
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip travel from your home city to the U.S.
- A monthly allowance for housing, meals, and living costs
- Accident and sickness health coverage
- Disability accommodations, such as accessible rooms and captioning
- The program covers most expenses, but the source does not give allowance amounts.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet these requirements:
- Be 27 to 39 years old at application
- Be a citizen of an eligible country
- Have at least five years of community work with measurable benefits
- Live and work in their home country when applying
- Speak and write English well
- Qualify for a J-1 visa
- Not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Commit to returning home for at least two years
- Past U.S. government exchange participants must have completed their two-year home residency requirement. Semi-finalists may need a TOEFL score of 520 or higher.
- Eligible countries include these in Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, and Uganda. The program also covers countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Americas. Check the official list.
Required Materials
Download the official application instructions. Applicants may use AI tools but must disclose their use. All answers must reflect their own experience.
How to Apply
Read the instructions and confirm your eligibility. Then submit the online application. Email apply.csp@irex.org with questions.
Click Here to Apply
Conclusion
This program offers community leaders funded U.S. experience and a project to scale at home. Eligible leaders should confirm the deadline with IREX and prepare now.
