Community Engagement Exchange Program 2027 in the USA (Fully Funded)

The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program 2027 is an international leadership development opportunity sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX. The program brings emerging community leaders to the United States to develop practical skills in civic engagement, freedom of expression, constructive dialogue, and community-based problem-solving.

The six-week exchange combines professional experience, leadership development, and cross-cultural learning. Selected participants undertake a four-week professional placement with a U.S. host organization, where they learn how community groups and civil society organizations address local challenges and encourage public participation.

The program is designed for young leaders who want to apply their experience to strengthen their communities and promote constructive dialogue in their home countries.

Fellowship Benefits

The CEE Program provides financial support for most expenses associated with participation. Benefits include:

• Round-trip airfare: Travel from the participant’s home city to the United States.
• J-1 visa support: Assistance with the exchange visa process.
• Living allowance: Financial support for accommodation, meals, and other living expenses during the U.S. exchange.
• Health coverage: Accident and sickness health benefits during the program.
• Professional placement: A four-week placement with a U.S. community or civil society organization.
• Leadership development: Practical learning in civic participation, communication, community engagement, and project design.
• International networking: Opportunities to connect with U.S. professionals and fellow community leaders.
• Community project: Design and implement an “Actions, Words” project addressing a need in the participant’s home community.

The program is considered a fully funded exchange opportunity, although applicants should consult the official guidelines for the exact scope and conditions of financial support.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements for the 2027 cycle:

• Be between 22 and 27 years old on the application deadline.
• Be a citizen of one of the eligible participating countries.
• Have at least two years of relevant professional, volunteer, academic, or community-based experience.
• Demonstrate commitment to free expression, open inquiry, civic dialogue, public participation, civic education, or community problem-solving.
• Be living and working in their home country when applying, subject to the program’s stated exceptions.
• Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Be available for the complete six-week exchange in the United States during 2027.
• Commit to returning home and applying the skills gained through a community-based project.

Important country restriction: For the 2027 application cycle, eligible countries are Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. Applicants must hold citizenship in one of these countries. Nepali citizens are not eligible for this particular cycle.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the 2027 Community Engagement Exchange Program is November 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

Applicants should check the official eligibility requirements and prepare their applications well before the deadline.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official IREX CEE application information page.
2. Confirm that your citizenship and personal circumstances meet the eligibility requirements.
3. Review the program guidelines and frequently asked questions.
4. Register through the official online application portal.
5. Complete the application form and explain your relevant experience, leadership goals, and proposed community impact.
6. Submit the application before the deadline.

Conclusion

The Community Engagement Exchange Program offers eligible young community leaders an opportunity to gain international experience, strengthen leadership skills, and learn practical approaches to civic engagement. Through its U.S. professional placement and community project, the program encourages participants to translate international learning into meaningful local action.