Become a Mentor for the Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program 2025

The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program is seeking candidates to serve as CEE Mentors for the 2025 CEE Program. CEE Mentors are established civil society experts from around the world, including the U.S., who support CEE Fellows throughout their fellowship experience by connecting them with resources, networks, and perspectives. CEE Mentors contribute to the online Academy, and contribute to events and initiatives such as CEE Welcome Orientation, End of Program Workshop, and Innovation Hubs.

Funding of Community Engagement 

• The Community Engagement Exchange Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX.

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Eligibility for Community Engagement 

• CEE Mentors must be at least 28 years of age, and U.S. Government (USG) exchange program alumni in good standing.  U.S. citizens are eligible to participate but must have experience in a U.S. Government-funded exchange program, such as a CEP Exchange or Fulbright fellowship. Peace Corps service also qualifies as a U.S. Government-funded exchange for U.S. citizens.
• Candidates who are not U.S. citizens must be eligible for a J-1 visa and must not have applied for permanent residence in the United States within the past three years nor have a plan to apply for U.S. permanent residence in the next three years.
• Candidates must have professional experience in civil society and community engagement. Candidates with a track record of mentoring emerging leaders are strongly preferred.
• Those candidates selected as CEE Mentors will be required to complete an in-person Mentorship Training and will play a facilitation role during the CEE Fellows’ U.S.-based orientation, currently scheduled for March 7-14, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. Mentors will also participate in the End of Program Workshop in Washington, D.C. June 23-27, 2025.

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Application

Before you begin your application, carefully read the roles and responsibilities of a CEE Mentor below. If selected as a CEE Mentor, you will need to engage in the following activities.

• Required Introductory Call – All selected Mentors will have a required introductory call with IREX and Combs and Company on October 30.
• Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) – Mentors will be required to complete and review Pre-Departure Orientation materials prior to arriving in the U.S.  PDO materials are housed on Canvas, a virtual learning platform. They anticipate Mentors committing 1-2 hours each month (December – March 2025) to PDO engagement.  Mentors will be invited to both Mentor and Fellow PDO courses. Mentors are invited to follow along with Fellows’ PDO progress and provide insights via discussion boards and group discussions.
• Kick-Off Event – Mentors are required to participate in a Mentor Kick-off online event, hosted by IREX and Combs and Company on December 11.  Mentors will meet other members of their Mentor cohort, connect with IREX, and learn more about the role of being a CEE Specialist.
• Email Introduction with Mentees – Mentors are expected to reach out individually to introduce yourself to your Mentees, January 7 and connect with them prior to arriving in the U.S.
• Virtual Live Session Engagement – Mentors will also be required to participate in two virtual live sessions leading up to your departure to the U.S.  Mentors must communicate to the IREX team ahead of time if they plan to miss a session.  Attendance at these sessions is critical for your engagement and to prepare you for the role and responsibilities as a CEE Specialist.
• Coach Check-In Call – Mentors will be assigned a professional leadership coach who will support your experience as a mentor and promote your own leadership development journey. Mentors will conduct one virtual 30-minute check-in call with your assigned Leadership Coach prior to traveling to the U.S. Get to know one another, set expectations, and prepare for the Practicum period.

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