Exchange Program

Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program 2026 In USA (Fully Funded)

1st May 20250 Comment0

Are you a young changemaker committed to making a difference in your community? The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program 2026 is now accepting applications from emerging civil society leaders from around the world. This fully funded international fellowship in the USA offers a unique opportunity for individuals aged 21–27 to gain professional experience, enhance leadership skills, and drive meaningful change through community development, civic engagement, and social innovation.

Organized by IREX and funded by the U.S. Department of State, this prestigious leadership development program connects passionate individuals across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas with U.S.-based organizations for a transformational three-month practicum—followed by a year of action and impact in their home countries.

What is the Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program?

The CEE Program 2026 is a year-long international exchange designed to equip civil society leaders with the skills, resources, and global networks they need to address 21st-century challenges. With a focus on civic leadership, grassroots engagement, and community-led initiatives, the program empowers participants to implement projects that create sustainable impact.

Also Check: Polish Academy of Sciences Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

Fellowship Components

Three-Month U.S. Practicum
Fellows are matched with leading civil society organizations in the United States, gaining hands-on experience in real-world social change initiatives.

Leadership & Civic Engagement Academy
Participate in workshops, coaching, mentoring, and peer learning focused on leadership, inclusive development, and community resilience.

Community Engagement Project (CEP)
Fellows design and launch their own social impact projects upon returning home, tailored to the needs of their local communities.

CEP Exchange
U.S. hosts may travel to partner countries to support project implementation, fostering cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Key Benefits of the CEE Fellowship 2026

Fully Funded (including round-trip travel, J-1 visa, monthly stipend, and health insurance)
Professional mentorship and global networking
Career development opportunities
Experience working with U.S. nonprofits and NGOs
Certificate of Completion
Opportunity to present at international conferences

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the CEE Program 2026, you must:

Be 21–27 years old
Be a citizen of an eligible country
Have at least two years of professional or volunteer experience in community work or civil society
Be actively working on a community project or grassroots initiative
Be proficient in English
Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa
Commit to returning home to implement your project

Also Check: EPFL Social Scholarship in Switzerland (Fully Funded)

Who Cannot Apply

U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Applicants living outside their home country (unless they have refugee status)
Past participants of U.S. government-funded exchange programs without completing the two-year residency requirement
Individuals who applied for U.S. permanent residency in the last three years