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The Community Solutions Program (CSP) 2027 is a fully funded professional leadership development fellowship organised by IREX and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

The programme is designed for experienced, results-oriented community leaders committed to promoting locally driven economic development, strengthening community prosperity and addressing development challenges in their communities.

Selected fellows will participate in an approximately three- to four-month professional exchange in the United States, including a 12-week practical placement with a U.S. host organisation. Participants will gain leadership skills, technical knowledge and professional connections that they can apply in their home countries.

Following the U.S. exchange, fellows will return to their home countries to implement a nine-month community-based SCALE-Up Project, adapting lessons and innovative approaches gained during the fellowship to support local or regional economic development.

Key Responsibilities / Programme Activities

• Professional Fellowship in the USA: Complete a three-month practical placement with a U.S. host organisation, working alongside professionals and gaining hands-on experience in community and economic development.
• Innovation and Applied Skills Labs: Participate in practical learning sessions focused on leadership, management, innovation and regional economic development.
• Professional Networking: Build connections with U.S. professionals, businesses, educational institutions, local governments and community organisations.
• Regional Field Visits: Explore innovative American approaches to economic development and collaboration between businesses, workforce institutions and community organisations.
• SCALE-Up Project: Develop and implement a nine-month community-based project after returning home, adapting at least one model, tool or partnership approach learned during the fellowship.
• Knowledge Application: Apply acquired leadership and technical skills to address economic development challenges in participants’ local communities.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all the following requirements:

• Be between 27 and 39 years old at the time of application.
• Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries listed below.
• Have at least five years of professional experience working on community issues.
• Demonstrate measurable positive contributions to local communities.
• Be living and working in their home country at the time of application.
• Have strong spoken and written English language proficiency.
• Be available to participate in the 2027 U.S.-based exchange programme.
• Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
• Not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after completing the programme.
• Be willing to implement a community-based SCALE-Up Project.

Eligible Countries by Region

Africa:

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

Middle East and North Africa (MENA):

• Algeria
• Egypt
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Morocco
• Oman
• Tunisia

Important: Somalia and Somaliland are not included in the published list of eligible countries. Applicants should carefully review the official nationality and country-of-residence requirements before applying.

Benefits and Support

The Community Solutions Program provides financial support covering most expenses associated with participation, including:

• J-1 Visa Support: Assistance with the U.S. exchange visa process.
• International Travel: Round-trip airfare from participants’ home cities to the United States.
• Monthly Allowance: Financial support for accommodation, meals and other living expenses during the U.S. programme.
• Health Coverage: Accident and sickness insurance coverage.
• Accessibility Support: Reasonable accommodations and disability support, including accessible facilities, assistive software and sign-language interpretation where required.
• Professional Development: Practical leadership training, technical skills development and international professional networking.
• Community Impact: An opportunity to implement a community development project after returning home.

Application Process

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Community Solutions Program application portal.
2. Download and carefully review the official application instructions.
3. Confirm that you meet all nationality, age, professional experience and other eligibility requirements.
4. Complete the online application form.
5. Submit the required information and supporting documents through the official application platform.

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

Application Guidelines: https://www.irex.org/sites/default/files/2026-10/FY26_%20CSP%20Application%20Instructions.pdf

Programme Information: https://www.irex.org/project/community-solutions

Application Status: Open

Programme Dates (2027):

• Orientation: 2–5 August 2027.
• Professional Practicum: 9 August–29 October 2027.
• End-of-Programme Workshop: 1–4 November 2027.

The programme dates are subject to confirmation.

Enquiries: apply.csp@irex.org

Applicants are encouraged to review the official application guidelines carefully before submitting their applications.