IREX Community Solutions Program 2027

Applications are open for the 2027 IREX Community Solutions Program (CSP), a professional leadership development opportunity for experienced community leaders seeking to strengthen economic growth and prosperity in their communities. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX, the programme brings selected participants to the United States for a professional exchange that combines practical training, leadership development and hands on experience with a U.S. host organisation.

The programme is designed for community leaders who have a track record of delivering measurable benefits through their work. Participants will spend approximately three to four months in the United States, including a 12 week practicum, where they will learn from professionals and organisations working on local and regional economic development.

About the Community Solutions Program

The Community Solutions Program equips experienced leaders with practical skills, professional connections and experience that can help them advance locally driven economic development.

The programme focuses on helping participants understand how communities can build stronger local economies through collaboration among businesses, government institutions, educational organisations and community groups.

During the U.S. exchange, participants are matched with host organisations where they gain practical experience and contribute to ongoing initiatives. Areas of work may include entrepreneurship, workforce development, innovation, trade and investment, tourism, agriculture and community revitalisation.

Participants also take part in leadership and technical learning activities designed to strengthen their ability to identify challenges, build partnerships and develop solutions that respond to local needs.

Programme Benefits

IREX covers the cost of most expenses associated with participation in the programme. Support includes:

• J-1 visa support.
• Round trip travel between the participant's home city and the United States.
• A monthly allowance for accommodation, meals and other living expenses during the U.S. exchange.
• Accident and sickness health coverage.
• Accessibility accommodations, including accessible rooms, assistive software and community assistance where needed.
• A 12 week professional practicum with a U.S. host organisation.
• Leadership development and practical technical training.
• Opportunities to build professional relationships with U.S. organisations and other international community leaders.
• The opportunity to implement a community based SCALE-Up Project after returning home.

Programme Structure and Activities

The 2027 programme combines a U.S. based exchange with a follow up project in participants' home countries.

1. U.S. orientation and learning activities

Participants begin with an orientation in Washington, D.C. The orientation introduces them to the programme, its objectives and the expectations for their exchange experience.

2. Professional practicum

Each participant completes a 12 week practicum with a U.S. organisation. The placement provides opportunities to observe professional practices, contribute to organisational activities and learn how local institutions support economic development.

Participants may gain experience in areas such as business growth, entrepreneurship, workforce development, technology, tourism, agriculture and regional partnerships.

3. Innovation and Applied Skills Labs

Participants take part in practical learning activities that strengthen their leadership, management and technical abilities. These activities also explore how emerging technologies can support industries, businesses and workers.

4. SCALE-Up Project

After completing the U.S. exchange, participants return to their home countries and implement a nine month SCALE-Up Project. Each participant identifies at least one promising model, tool or partnership approach encountered during the exchange and adapts it to address a community or regional economic development challenge.

The project is intended to translate the learning gained in the United States into practical results at home.

Eligibility Requirements

The Community Solutions Program is open to applicants from selected countries who meet the programme's professional and personal requirements.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be between 27 and 39 years old at the time of application.
• Be a citizen of an eligible participating country.
• Have at least five years of experience working on community issues.
• Demonstrate measurable benefits resulting from their work in local communities.
• Be living and working in their country of citizenship when applying.
• Have strong spoken and written English language skills.
• Be available to participate in the U.S. exchange during 2027.
• Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
• Not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Not have applied for U.S. permanent residency within the previous three years.
• Commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after the programme and implementing a community based SCALE-Up Project.

Applicants must be living and working in their home country when they apply. Individuals residing or working abroad through an academic, training or research programme do not meet this requirement.

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Eligible Countries

The 2027 programme accepts applications from selected countries across several regions.

Eligible African countries are:

• Botswana
• Cameroon
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Kenya
• Liberia
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Rwanda
• Uganda

Other eligible countries are listed across East Asia and the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. Applicants should consult the official IREX country list to confirm eligibility.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the online application through the official IREX platform.

1. Review the eligibility criteria: Confirm that you meet the age, citizenship, residence, professional experience and English language requirements.
2. Read the application instructions: Visit the official IREX Community Solutions Program page and carefully review the current application guidance.
3. Prepare your application: Gather the information and supporting materials needed to demonstrate your community leadership experience and measurable achievements.
4. Complete the online application: Visit the official application portal at csp.irex.org and complete all required sections.
5. Submit before the deadline: Ensure that your application is submitted by November 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
6. Monitor your email: Check the email address used in your application for updates, interview invitations and any additional instructions from IREX.