Community Solutions Program: Application Now Open for 2025 Cohort(Fully-funded to USA)

The 2025 Community Solutions Program (CSP) application is officially open! The deadline to apply is November 13, 2024. This year-long leadership development initiative is designed for established community leaders who are working to improve their communities in the areas of democracy and human rights, environment, peace and conflict resolution, and women and gender issues.

CSP provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain hands-on experience through a four-month U.S.-based practicum, personalized leadership coaching, and a six-month community project implemented in their home country. Below, we outline the program details, eligibility requirements, and application instructions.

 

Key Components of the Community Solutions Program

1. U.S.-Based Fellowship (August–December 2025):
Community Solutions fellows will be matched with host organizations across the U.S. to complete a four-month hands-on professional practicum. This experience helps fellows advance their technical skills and expertise in their respective fields.

2. Community Leadership Institute:
Participants will undergo a graduate-level leadership curriculum designed to strengthen leadership and management skills. The Institute includes face-to-face trainings, online courses, professional coaching, and extensive networking opportunities.

3. Community-Based Projects:
While in the U.S., fellows will design a community development project to implement in their home countries. Upon their return, fellows will carry out their initiative with the support of their U.S. host organization, over the course of six months.

Application Process and Instructions

To apply, applicants must first review the eligibility requirements below to ensure they qualify. Detailed instructions for completing the application can be downloaded from the link provided at the end of this article. Should you have further questions after reviewing the materials, feel free to contact CSP via apply.csp@irex.org.

Financial Support and Benefits

CSP covers most of the expenses associated with the program, including:

• J-1 visa support
• Round-trip travel from participants’ home country to the U.S.
• Monthly allowance for housing, meals, and other living expenses
• Accident and sickness health coverage
• Accessibility accommodations, such as ADA-accessible rooms and community support services

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Community Solutions Program, applicants must:

• Be between 26 and 39 years old by November 13, 2024
• Be citizens of one of the eligible countries listed below
• Live and work in their home country (special consideration for those with refugee status)
• Have a minimum of two years of experience in community development
• Have a high level of English proficiency (semifinalists will need to pass or provide TOEFL/IELTS test scores)
• Be available to travel to the U.S. from August to December 2025
• Commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after the program
• Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa

Please note: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency within the last three years are not eligible. Participants who have previously taken part in a U.S. Government-sponsored exchange must meet the two-year home residency requirement.

Eligible Countries

CSP is open to applicants from a wide range of countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, including:

• Africa: Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Uganda, Zambia, and more
• East Asia & Pacific: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and more
• Europe: Albania, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, and more
• Middle East & North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, and more
• South & Central Asia: Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and more
• Western Hemisphere: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Haiti, Mexico, and more

For a full list of eligible countries, please refer to the detailed eligibility guidelines in the application resources.

Accessibility and Disability Support

CSP is committed to providing support to fellows with disabilities throughout the entire program process, from application to completion. Available resources include:

• Screen reader-friendly applications
• Captioned video interviews
• Sign language interpreting
• ADA-accessible rooms
• Software such as JAWS for screen reading

Health and Safety Measures

While CSP is planned to be an in-person program for 2025, IREX will continue to monitor global health conditions, especially concerning COVID-19, and will adapt as necessary to ensure the safety of all participants and partners.

Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Start your application today and be part of the 2025 Community Solutions Program!

For further details and to download the application instructions, visit the CSP application portal.

Application Resources

• Application Instructions
• Apply here

For questions, email IREX at: csp@irex.org

For more information about the program and application details, see IREX website: https://www.irex.org/program/community-solutions-program-application-information