On this page
Applications are open for the IREX Community Solutions Program 2027, a funded leadership exchange for experienced community leaders advancing regional economic growth.
Location: United States, followed by a project at home
Exchange: Approximately 3–4 months, including a 12-week practicum
Deadline: 24 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST (Washington, D.C. time)
Programme and financial support
Participants join a U.S. host organisation, regional field visits and practical leadership labs, then implement a nine-month SCALE-Up Project at home. Support covers most costs for J-1 visa assistance, round-trip travel, a living allowance for housing and meals, accident and sickness coverage, and accessibility accommodations.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be 27–39, have at least five years of community experience with measurable results, and live and work in their country of citizenship. Strong English, J-1 eligibility and availability for the full exchange are required. Participants must return home for at least two years and implement their project.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and those who applied for U.S. permanent residence in the previous three years, are ineligible. Previous U.S.-government exchange participants must have completed their two-year home-residency requirement. Semi-finalists without qualifying English scores must take an approved assessment. Additional final application requirements apply.
Eligible countries
Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda.
East Asia and Pacific: Cambodia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu, Vietnam.
Europe: Albania, Belarus, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine.
Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia.
South and Central Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.
Western Hemisphere: Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela.
Laos also appears in the downloadable instructions but is absent from the webpage list; applicants from Laos should confirm eligibility in the application portal or with IREX.
How to apply
Read the application instructions, then apply online in English using one email address. Email, fax and postal submissions are not accepted. Describe your community impact, economic-development challenge, sector and learning goals. You may upload a creative supplement demonstrating your work.
AI editing assistance must be disclosed; responses must reflect your own experience and judgment. Disability support is available. Questions: apply.csp@irex.org.
Planned 2027 exchange dates
Orientation: 2–5 August; practicum: 9 August–29 October; closing workshop: 1–4 November. Dates remain subject to confirmation.
Leave a Reply