Community Engagement Exchange Program 2027 in the USA | Fully Funded
Overview
The Community Engagement Exchange Program 2027 is a year-long initiative designed to enhance cooperation, promote peace, and support civil society leaders in building healthy and participatory communities. Spanning over 100 countries, the program harnesses the potential of emerging leaders by building networks and everlasting relationships to address key factors in societal growth. This initiative is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is supported and implemented by IREX.
Participants engage in transformational leadership development activities throughout the year, which include a three-month U.S.-based practicum, participation in the Leadership and Civic Engagement Academy, community engagement projects, and continuous global and local networking. Fellows focus on five main themes: participatory roles, volunteer opportunities, inclusive and innovative developmental models, and methods to engage communities to address climate change, community-based agriculture, and entrepreneurship. The program duration is listed as 6 weeks including a 4-week professional placement, with the program dates scheduled for September to October 2027.
Who can apply
Candidates must be living and working in their home countries and aged between 22 and 27 years. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of professional or volunteer experience at the time of applying and must be proficient in the English language. Individuals with refugee status may apply on behalf of their home community. Applicants must not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must not have applied for U.S. permanent residency within the past three years. Additionally, participants must be willing to return to their home country for at least two years after completing the program to contribute to their local communities.
Eligible countries for the program include Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
What you get
The program covers J-1 visa support for participants and provides a round-trip travel grant from the participant's home country to the USA. Participants receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, meals, and housing expenses, alongside medical insurance coverage. Fellows also gain leadership and professional development opportunities, and the chance to develop and implement a community project.
Requirements
Applicants must apply through the Community Engagement Exchange Online Application. Candidates are required to answer all essay questions concerning their experience, leadership skills, and community goals, as well as provide all necessary documents and details accurately before submission.
Key dates
The application deadline is November 18, 2026, at 11:59pm ET.