IREX Community Solutions Program 2027: U.S. Fellowship for Community Leaders

The Community Solutions Program (CSP) is a professional development exchange sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX. It helps experienced community leaders strengthen their leadership and technical skills through practical work with U.S. organisations.

The 2027 programme focuses on local and regional economic development. Participants contribute to host organisations while learning approaches they can adapt to challenges in their home communities. 

Application deadline: Tuesday, 24 November 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST — Washington, D.C. time. 

What the programme offers

Participants work with organisations such as nonprofits, private-sector partners and local government offices. Assignments can involve economic growth, workforce development, innovation, tourism, agriculture and community revitalisation.

The programme also provides leadership training, professional coaching and opportunities to build lasting professional connections. Programme activities

The U.S. exchange lasts approximately three to four months, including a 12-week practicum. Participants also attend Innovation and Applied Skills Labs, then undertake a nine-month SCALE-Up Project after returning home. 2027 programme structure

Financial support

CSP covers most expenses associated with:

• J-1 visa support.
• Return travel from your home city.
• A monthly allowance for housing, meals and living expenses.
• Accident and sickness coverage.
• Accessibility accommodations.

IREX does not publish a fixed monthly allowance amount on the application page. Official financial support information

Eligibility requirements

You must:

• Be 27–39 when applying.
• Hold citizenship of an eligible country.
• Have at least five years of community experience, with measurable results.
• Live and work in your home country.
• Have strong spoken and written English.
• Qualify for a U.S. J-1 visa.
• Participate fully and return home for at least two years.

You cannot be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have applied for U.S. permanent residency within the previous three years. Previous U.S.-government exchange participants must have fulfilled their two-year home-residency requirement.

Residence abroad for academic, training or research programmes does not satisfy the residence requirement. Full eligibility requirements

Eligible countries

Check your citizenship against the official eligible-country list before preparing an application.

Country-list discrepancy: Laos appears in the application PDF but not the webpage’s list. Applicants from Laos should confirm eligibility with IREX. Application instructions and country list

What kind of experience is relevant?

CSP seeks leaders who can demonstrate practical contributions to economic development. Relevant learning areas include:

• Coalition building and public-private partnerships.
• E-commerce and digital tools.
• Project development and management.
• Resource mobilisation.
• Transportation and infrastructure.
• Workforce development.

Selection considers applicants’ ability to contribute to U.S. host organisations, learn from the exchange and apply that learning at home. IREX’s published selection guidance

When preparing your application, choose examples that show your specific contribution. Explain the problem, the action you took and the results achieved. Where possible, use figures or other evidence rather than broad claims about impact.

Application content and supporting materials

You will select a primary sector and relevant training tracks, then explain your economic-development challenge, results, stakeholders and learning goals.

IREX also invites a creative supplement, such as a report, captioned photograph, video, article or community support letter. Follow the live form’s instructions for uploads and response limits. Application guidance

English-language assessment

Semifinalists without qualifying valid TOEFL results must complete approved testing. The published thresholds are 520, or 213 on the computer-based test. English requirements

Use of AI tools

AI-assisted editing is permitted with disclosure. Your answers must remain accurate and reflect your own experience, judgement and learning goals. Official AI guidance

How to apply

1. Read the eligibility requirements and instructions.
2. Visit the official CSP application portal. Start a new application or sign in to continue.
3. Review the portal’s privacy information.
4. Complete the application yourself in English, using one email address throughout.
5. Check every required answer and submit online before the deadline.

Mailed, faxed and emailed applications are not accepted. Submission instructions

Allow time to check your dates, experience and results for consistency. Keep access to the email account you use and monitor it for selection messages.

Selection process and timetable

Selection includes written application review and review of recorded semifinalist interviews. Written applications are scheduled for review on 1–16 December 2026, followed by interview review on 13–29 January 2027. Selection committee timetable

Official applicant timeline

Planned U.S. exchange dates

These dates remain subject to confirmation. Official programme schedule

Official information and application

• Programme and eligibility: 2027 Community Solutions Program application information
• Detailed instructions: Download the official application PDF
• Apply online: CSP application portal
• Application enquiries: apply.csp@irex.org