Scholarship Overview
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Program Overview
The 2027 Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program is a competitive, fully funded leadership development opportunity for emerging community leaders. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX, the program brings selected participants to the United States for an intensive six-week exchange experience focused on advancing free expression, open inquiry, constructive dialogue, and civic participation.
Participants engage in experiential learning through professional placements with U.S. host organizations, cross-cultural exchange with international peers, and structured skill-building activities. The program culminates in the design and implementation of an Actions, Words project—a community-based initiative that applies program lessons to address needs in participants’ home countries.
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What Participants Experience
The CEE Program combines practical training with immersive professional experience:
- Six-week U.S. exchange including a four-week individualized professional placement with a U.S. host organization
- Direct engagement with American institutions, community organizations, and civic leaders promoting dialogue and participation
- Leadership, communication, and project design training through experiential learning
- Professional networking with U.S. and international counterparts
- Development and implementation of a community-based project upon return home
Eligibility Requirements
Competition is merit-based. Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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- Age: 22–27 years old on the application closing date (November 18, 2026)
- Citizenship: Citizen of one of the eligible countries listed below
- Experience: Minimum two years of professional, volunteer, academic, or community-based experience working on First Amendment issues—free speech, open inquiry, constructive public discourse, public participation, respectful disagreement, or community-level problem-solving
- Residency: Living and working in your home country at time of application (special consideration may apply for those completing non-U.S. government programming abroad who will return home at least six months before the program begins)
- Commitment: Demonstrated dedication to developing a locally grounded free-speech or First Amendment initiative in your home country
- Language: Proficient in spoken and written English at application; semifinalists without valid qualifying TOEFL scores must complete an English-language proficiency assessment
- Availability: Able to participate in the full six-week 2027 program in the United States
- Return obligation: Committed to returning home and implementing your community project after the exchange
Eligible Countries
Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, United Kingdom, Ukraine
Who Cannot Apply
The following individuals are ineligible:
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Those participating in academic, training, or research programs in the U.S. or other countries at time of application
- Individuals residing or working outside their home country (unless refugee or special refugee status holders working on behalf of their home community)
- Former U.S. government-sponsored exchange visitors who have not fulfilled the two-year home residency requirement
- Individuals who applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years
Financial Support
The CEE Program is fully funded. Covered expenses include:
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip travel from your home city to the United States
- Housing, meals, and living allowance while in the U.S.
- Accident and sickness health benefits
Application Process
Applications are submitted through the IREX online portal. Required steps include:
- Review eligibility requirements and confirm citizenship in an eligible country
- Prepare documentation of your two+ years of relevant experience
- Develop a clear statement of your commitment to a home-country free-speech initiative
- Submit complete application before November 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
- Semifinalists complete English-language proficiency assessment if required
- Finalists notified; program begins in 2027
Important Note for African Applicants
The 2027 CEE Program is limited to citizens of specific European countries. If you are from Zimbabwe or other SADC nations, you are not eligible for this particular program cycle. However, IREX and the U.S. Department of State operate other exchange programs with broader geographic eligibility. Monitor IREX’s website and U.S. embassy announcements for alternative opportunities such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship or other regional programs.
Contact Information
For questions about eligibility or the application process:
- Email: apply.CEE@irex.org
- Review the FAQ document available on the IREX website
Official scholarship page: https://www.irex.org/program/community-engagement-exchange-program-application-information
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
