The 2025 Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program application is now open! This prestigious opportunity invites emerging civil society and community leaders to apply by July 2, 2024. Below, you will find detailed information on the benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and deadlines associated with this transformative program.
The CEE Program is a dynamic global network that empowers innovators to address critical 21st-century issues within their communities. The program provides participants with the expertise, skills, and resources to develop multisector approaches for building healthy and engaged communities in over 100 countries. This year-long program is designed to harness the power of networks, relationships, and information for the public good, focusing on areas such as civic dialogue, peacebuilding, open and participatory government, women’s and gender issues, environmental sustainability, and youth engagement.
Benefits
Participating in the CEE Program offers numerous benefits, including:
- Financial Support: The program covers most expenses, including J-1 visa support, round-trip travel to the U.S., a monthly allowance for living expenses, and health benefits.
- Three-Month Practicum in the United States: Fellows are matched with civil society organizations across the U.S., where they engage in hands-on professional practicums under the guidance of designated supervisors and peers.
- Leadership and Civic Engagement Academy: Fellows delve into program themes through interactive curricula that include service learning, face-to-face trainings, mentorship, professional coaching, and inclusion in a global network.
- Community Engagement Project (CEP): Fellows design and implement community engagement projects in their home communities with the support of their U.S. host organizations and mentors.
- CEP Exchange: Select U.S. hosts and CEE specialists will travel to a fellow’s home country to collaborate on project implementation and share their experiences to strengthen communities across both countries.
Eligibility
The CEE Program is merit-based and open to emerging civil society and community leaders who meet the following criteria:
- Age: 21-27
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries (listed below)
- Residency: Currently living and working in their home country (exceptions for refugees)
- Experience: Minimum of two years of professional or volunteer experience in community or civil society issues
- Commitment: Must be working on a community engagement initiative with the intent to pursue a career in civil society
- Availability: Able to participate in the program in the U.S. in 2025 and return home to implement a project
- Language: Proficient in spoken and written English (semifinalists will take a Duolingo English test)
Individuals in certain circumstances, such as U.S. citizens, those residing or working outside their home countries (with some exceptions), and those who have previously participated in U.S. government-sponsored programs without fulfilling their two-year home residency requirement, are not eligible.
Application Process
- Prepare Your Application Here: https://www.irex.org/program/community-engagement-exchange-program-application-information
- Submit Online: Complete and submit your application through the CEE Program’s application portal.
- Review and Selection: Applications will be reviewed, and semifinalists will be required to take an English language test. Finalists will be selected based on their ability to fulfill the program’s communication goals and other criteria.
Deadline
Applications for the 2025 CEE Program must be submitted by July 2, 2024.
Eligible Countries
The program is open to citizens from the following regions:
- Africa: Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- East Asia and the Pacific: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu, Vietnam
- Europe and Eurasia: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Türkiye, Ukraine
- Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Palestinian Territories
- South and Central Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
- Western Hemisphere: Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela
Apply today and take the first step toward becoming a transformative leader in your community