The Community Solutions Program (CSP) 2025 is a fully funded, year-long leadership development opportunity for passionate civil society leaders aged 26 to 39. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX, CSP aims to strengthen participants’ leadership and technical skills to tackle critical issues in their communities, such as economic development, environmental conservation, social justice, and political reform.
Participants will take part in a tailored four-month fellowship with a U.S.-based nonprofit organization or local government agency, where they will engage in hands-on work addressing community-based challenges. The program also includes leadership training through the Community Leadership Institute, providing customized learning and professional coaching.
Since its launch in 2010, CSP has supported over 832 fellows from 89 countries, impacting more than 629,000 people through various community initiatives. Participants of the fully funded program benefit from a global network of civil society leaders, forming long-lasting connections that drive collaboration across borders.
Upon completing the U.S.-based fellowship, participants return to their home countries to implement a six-month community project, using their enhanced skills to create sustainable, positive change in their local communities.
Quick Overview of Community Solutions Program 2025
- Host Country: United States
- Host Organization: IREX
- Duration: 12 months (August 2025 – July 2026)
- Fellowship: 4-month U.S.-based professional practicum
- Eligibility: Civil society leaders aged 26-39
- Deadline: November 13, 2024
- Value: Fully Funded
Program Structure for the Community Solutions Program
The Community Solutions Program includes:
- Four-Month Fellowship in the U.S.: Fellows are placed with U.S. host organizations such as nonprofit entities, government agencies, or private sector companies. The fellowship provides hands-on experience that helps fellows address key challenges back home.
- Community Leadership Institute: This graduate-level leadership program offers both in-person and online workshops, training, and coaching, helping fellows enhance their leadership, management, and technical skills.
- Community-Based Projects: Fellows design a project during their fellowship that addresses specific issues in their communities. They implement this project with support from U.S. host organizations and resources after returning home.
- Global Network: Participants become part of an international community of professionals, with opportunities to collaborate, share best practices, and access resources through the Community Leadership Institute platform. Alumni remain engaged with the program through various activities and ongoing mentorship.
Perks of the Fully Funded Fellowship in the USA 2025
- Fully funded fellowship, including:
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip travel from home country to the U.S.
- Monthly stipend to cover housing, meals, and living expenses
- Accident and sickness health coverage
- Accessibility accommodations for participants with disabilities
- Four-month practicum with a U.S. nonprofit or government agency
- Community Leadership Institute: Graduate-level leadership curriculum with coaching and training
- Networking opportunities with professionals and community leaders worldwide
- Support for implementing a community project in your home country
Benefits of the Community Solutions Fellowship
The program offers a broad range of benefits, including:
- A four-month U.S. practicum with a nonprofit or local government organization, enhancing participants’ technical skills.
- Tailored coaching and training through the Community Leadership Institute, focusing on leadership and management skills.
- Fellows develop and implement a community action project in collaboration with their U.S. host organization, extending their work upon return to their home countries.
- Fellows gain access to an international network of like-minded civil society leaders.
Eligible Countries by Region for the Leadership Development Program
- Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
- East Asia and Pacific: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu, Vietnam.
- Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Türkiye, Ukraine.
- Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Palestinian Territories.
- South and Central Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
- Western Hemisphere: Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Eligibility Criteria for CSP Fellowship for International Students
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for CSP:
- Must be between 26 and 39 years old as of November 13, 2024.
- Must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries (listed below).
- Must have at least two years of experience working on community development, either as a full-time or part-time employee or volunteer.
- Must currently live and work in their home country. Individuals with refugee status working on behalf of their home community may also apply.
- Must have a high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English.
- Must be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa and should not have applied for U.S. permanent residency within the past three years.
- Applicants who have participated in a U.S. Government exchange program must have completed the two-year home residency requirement.
- Must commit to returning to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing the program.
Important Dates of IREX CSP Fellowships
- Application Deadline: November 13, 2024
- Notification of Semi-Finalists: December 19, 2024
- Recorded Interviews Submission Deadline: January 6, 2025
- Final Selection: February 19, 2025
- Fellowship Start: August 11, 2025
- End of Fellowship: December 5, 2025
How to Apply to the IREX Community Solutions Program
To apply for the program, follow these steps:
- Complete the online application through the CSP Portal by November 13, 2024, 11:59 PM EST.
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Personal information
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
- A community project proposal
- Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, and semifinalists will be required to take an English language proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS).
- Finalists will be notified of their selection by March 2025.
You can also see the official application instructions here
Required Documents for IREX CSP Fellowships Application
Applicants are required to submit:
- Completed Application Form
- Resume/CV detailing professional and volunteer experience
- Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores) for semifinalists
- Two Letters of Recommendation (if requested during the selection process)
- Essays/Personal Statements addressing the following prompts
- Identify a community challenge you are passionate about addressing.
- Describe a time you demonstrated leadership in addressing a challenge in your community.
To apply for the Community Solutions Program 2025, visit the CSP Application Portal before the deadline of November 13, 2024.
Good luck with your application! For more details, visit the official CSP website.
