2027 Community Engagement Exchange Program in the USA | Fully Funded Leadership Exchange

Application Deadline: November 18, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2027 Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program, an international leadership development opportunity for young community leaders interested in strengthening civic participation, freedom of expression and constructive public dialogue.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX, the program brings emerging leaders from selected European countries to the United States for a six-week professional and cultural exchange.

Participants will gain practical experience through professional placements with American host organizations, interactive learning activities and engagement with community leaders. The program is designed to help participants develop the knowledge and leadership skills needed to address challenges in their communities.

One of the central components is the development and implementation of an Actions, Words project, through which participants apply the lessons gained during the exchange to a community need in their home countries.

The program covers major participation expenses, including international travel, J-1 visa support, accommodation and living allowances, as well as accident and sickness health benefits.

Interested applicants should submit their applications by November 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

Opportunity Details

About the Community Engagement Exchange Program

The Community Engagement Exchange Program is an international initiative that supports emerging civil society and community leaders working to improve public participation and strengthen community relationships.

The program focuses on the importance of open discussion, freedom of expression, civic education and respectful engagement between people with different perspectives.

Through its international exchange model, CEE connects young leaders with American organizations and professionals who are involved in community development, civic engagement and public dialogue.

Rather than focusing exclusively on classroom learning, the program provides practical exposure to how organizations identify community challenges, encourage participation and develop collaborative solutions.

Participants are expected to take the knowledge and experience gained in the United States back to their home countries and use it to develop initiatives that respond to local needs.

Main Areas of Focus

The 2027 CEE cohort is intended for individuals whose work or community involvement relates to one or more of the following areas:

• Freedom of expression: Promoting the ability of individuals to express ideas and participate in public discussions.
• Open inquiry: Encouraging informed discussions, critical thinking and the exchange of different viewpoints.
• Civic dialogue: Creating opportunities for constructive conversations between individuals and groups.
• Public participation: Encouraging citizens to participate in community affairs and decision-making processes.
• Civic education: Improving public understanding of civic responsibilities, democratic participation and community institutions.
• Community problem-solving: Developing collaborative responses to challenges affecting local communities.
• Conflict reduction: Building understanding and cooperation between people with different backgrounds and perspectives.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their professional, academic, volunteer or community activities relate to these themes.

What Participants Will Gain

Selected participants will take part in a six-week exchange in the United States, combining professional exposure, practical learning and international networking.

The program includes several important activities.

1. Professional Placement in the United States

Participants will complete an individualized four-week professional placement with a U.S.-based host organization.

During this period, they will observe and engage with organizations working in areas related to civic participation, community engagement, public dialogue and civil society development.

2. Leadership and Professional Development

Participants will strengthen their leadership, communication and project development abilities through practical activities and experiential learning.

The experience is intended to help emerging leaders become more effective in addressing community challenges.

3. Exposure to American Community Organizations

Participants will interact with American institutions, civil society organizations and community leaders.

These engagements provide opportunities to understand different approaches to public participation, constructive disagreement and community-level collaboration.

4. International Networking

The exchange brings together participants from different countries, creating opportunities to establish professional relationships and exchange experiences.

These connections can support future collaboration beyond the six-week program.

5. Actions, Words Community Project

A major component of CEE is the development and implementation of an Actions, Words project.

Participants will use the knowledge gained during the exchange to identify a relevant issue in their home communities and develop a practical initiative to address it.

This component emphasizes applying international learning to locally identified priorities.

Eligibility Requirements

The Community Engagement Exchange Program is competitive and merit-based. Applicants must meet all the following eligibility conditions.

1. Age Requirement

Applicants must be between 22 and 27 years old on November 18, 2026, the application closing date.

2. Nationality

Applicants must be citizens of one of the ten eligible countries listed in the program announcement.

3. Relevant Experience

Candidates must have at least two years of experience working on issues connected to the program’s focus areas.

Qualifying experience may come from:

• Professional employment.
• Volunteer activities.
• Academic involvement.
• Community-based initiatives.

Relevant experience can include work involving freedom of expression, civic education, public participation, constructive dialogue, community engagement and conflict reduction.

4. Current Residence and Employment

Applicants must be living and working in their home country when submitting their applications.

Special consideration may be available, in consultation with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), for certain individuals completing educational programmes or non-U.S.-government-sponsored activities abroad. Such applicants must have returned to their home country at least six months before the program begins.

5. Commitment to Community Development

Candidates must demonstrate a genuine interest in developing a locally relevant initiative connected to free expression or civic engagement in their home country.

6. Cross-Cultural Communication

Applicants should be comfortable working with people from different cultural backgrounds and contributing positively to a U.S. host organization and its community.

7. English Language Proficiency

Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English at the time of application.

Semifinalists who do not already have a qualifying TOEFL score will be required to complete an English-language proficiency assessment.

8. Availability

Applicants must be available to participate in the full six-week exchange in the United States during 2027, including the four-week professional placement.

9. Commitment to Return Home

Selected participants must be willing to return to their home countries following the exchange and apply their learning through a community-based project.

Eligible Countries

The 2027 Community Engagement Exchange Program is open to citizens of the following ten countries:

1. Czechia
2. France
3. Germany
4. Hungary
5. Ireland
6. Poland
7. Romania
8. Slovakia
9. United Kingdom
10. Ukraine

Important: Eligibility is restricted to the countries listed above in the supplied 2027 application announcement. Citizenship of another European country does not automatically qualify an applicant.

Who Cannot Apply?

Certain categories of individuals are not eligible for the U.S.-based Community Engagement Exchange Program.

Applicants are ineligible if they fall into any of the following categories:

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
• Individuals participating in academic, training or research programmes in the United States or other countries at the time of application.
• Individuals living or working outside their home countries when applying, except for the specified refugee or special refugee-status circumstances described by the program.
• Individuals who previously participated in a U.S. government-sponsored or funded exchange visitor programme but have not fulfilled their applicable two-year home residency requirement by the application date.
• Individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency within the previous three years.
• Individuals who do not meet additional eligibility requirements established in consultation with the U.S. Department of State, including applicable public-health requirements.

Candidates should review the official eligibility guidance carefully before applying.

Financial Benefits and What the Program Covers

The Community Engagement Exchange Program provides financial support for major expenses associated with participation in the exchange.

According to the program announcement, the following expenses are covered:

The program is therefore a funded international exchange opportunity, allowing selected participants to undertake the experience without independently financing all the major travel and living costs.

Applicants should consult the official program documentation for further information about the coverage, conditions and arrangements.

Duration and Program Structure

The 2027 CEE Program includes a six-week exchange experience in the United States.

The main components are:

• Professional placement: Four weeks with an individualized U.S. host organization.
• Experiential learning: Practical activities and engagement with American institutions and community leaders.
• Leadership development: Activities focused on communication, leadership and project design.
• International exchange: Opportunities to learn and collaborate with participants from different countries.
• Community project: Development and implementation of an Actions, Words initiative in the participant’s home country.

Participants are expected to use their experience to support continued community engagement after returning home.

How to Apply for the 2027 Community Engagement Exchange Program

Applications are submitted online through the official CEE application portal managed by IREX.

Interested candidates should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official CEE application portal.
2. Review the eligibility requirements and confirm that your country is included in the list of eligible countries.
3. Check that you meet the age and two-year experience requirements.
4. Prepare information about your professional, volunteer, academic or community engagement activities.
5. Explain your interest in freedom of expression, civic participation and constructive community dialogue.
6. Complete the online application form with accurate information.
7. Review your responses and submit the application before the deadline.

Official Application Portal: https://cee.irex.org/

Application Deadline: November 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours to submit their applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Community Engagement Exchange Program?

The CEE Program is an international leadership development and professional exchange initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX. It supports emerging community leaders working on civic engagement, freedom of expression and constructive public dialogue.

2. Is the 2027 CEE Program open for applications?

Yes. Applications for the 2027 cohort are open until November 18, 2026.

3. Who can apply for the program?

Citizens of Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and Ukraine who meet the age, experience, residence and other eligibility requirements may apply.

4. What is the age limit?

Applicants must be between 22 and 27 years old on November 18, 2026.

5. How much work experience is required?

Candidates must have at least two years of relevant experience. Professional, volunteer, academic and community-based experience may qualify.

6. Where will the exchange take place?

The six-week exchange takes place in the United States and includes a four-week professional placement with a U.S. host organization.

7. Is the program fully funded?

The program covers major participation expenses, including J-1 visa support, round-trip international travel, housing and living allowances, and accident and sickness health benefits.

8. Do applicants need to speak English?

Yes. Applicants must have spoken and written English proficiency. Semifinalists without an existing qualifying TOEFL score will be required to complete an English-language assessment.

9. Must participants return to their home countries?

Yes. Participants are expected to return to their home countries after the exchange and apply their experience through a community-based initiative.

10. What is the Actions, Words project?

It is a community initiative developed and implemented by participants to apply lessons from the exchange to a specific need or challenge in their home communities.

11. What is the application deadline?

The deadline is November 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

12. Where can I submit my application?

Applications must be submitted through the official IREX application portal: https://cee.irex.org/.

Contact and Further Information

Applicants who need clarification about the application process or eligibility requirements can consult the official program resources.

Implementing Organization: IREX

Program Sponsor: U.S. Department of State

Application Portal: https://cee.irex.org/

Email: apply.CEE@irex.org

Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.irex.org/files/2027-cee-application-faqs.pdf

Official Program Website: https://www.irex.org/

Apply for the 2027 CEE Program

The Community Engagement Exchange Program offers emerging community leaders an opportunity to gain international professional exposure, strengthen their leadership abilities and connect with individuals working to improve civic participation and community relationships.

Professionals and volunteers with relevant experience in civil society, public dialogue, civic education and community development are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and consider submitting an application.

Applications close on November 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Apply online: https://cee.irex.org/

Before submitting an application, candidates should consult the official IREX announcement and application FAQs for complete eligibility information and participation conditions.