Deadline : 30/11/2022
Credit: US Embassy Morocco
The Community Engagement Exchange Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX.
CEE equips dedicated visionaries with the expertise, skills, and resources to develop multisector approaches and build healthy and engaged communities in over 100 countries.
A transformational leadership development experience, the Community Engagement Exchange Program is a year-long program designed to enable civil society leaders, ages 21-28, to harness the power of networks, relationships, and information for the public good, specifically on issues related to civic dialogue and peacebuilding, open and participatory government, women and gender, resilience and sustainable development, and youth engagement.
Goals :
Prepare the next generation of decision makers, thought leaders, and community activists, empowering participants to assume greater leadership roles in their institutions and communities and creating a pipeline of global leaders.
Build capacity for civil society leaders and civil society organizations by equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and democratic principles necessary to be informed and active members of their communities.
Strengthen participants’ ability to lead collaboratively and ethically, while addressing issues of public concern.
Develop a global network of diverse, multi-disciplinary civil society and community leaders that contribute to a global civil society eco-system and work together to develop multifaceted and innovative approaches to healthy and resilient communities.
Eligibility Requirements :
Competition for the CEE Program is merit-based and open to emerging civil society and community leaders who meet the following criteria:
Age 21-28 at the time of application;
Citizen of one of the eligible countries listed below;
Currently living and working in their home country at the time of application;
Special consideration can be given to individuals living in another country who have refugee status and are working on behalf of their home community.
Has a minimum of two-years professional or volunteer experience, working on community or civil society issues, at the time of application;
Working on a community engagement initiative in their home country, either in a professional or volunteer capacity, with a demonstrated intent and vision to pursue a career working to support civil society or within the civil society sector;
Able to begin the CEE Program in the United States in 2024;
Able to receive a U.S. J-1 Visa;
Committed to returning to their home country after completion of the program and implementing a community-based project; and,
Proficient in spoken and written English at the time of application.
Semifinalists will be required to take a Duolingo English language test
Individuals in the following circumstances are NOT eligible for the U.S.-based CEE Program:
U.S. citizens and/or permanent residents of the United States;
Individuals participating in academic, training, or research programs in the United States or other countries at the time of application;
Individuals residing or working outside their home countries at the time of application unless the individual is a refugee or holds special refugee status and is working on behalf of their home country/community;
Individuals who have participated in an exchange visitor program sponsored or funded by the U.S. government (e.g., U.S. Department of State Public Affairs Section of U.S. embassies, or other U.S. government agencies) who have not fulfilled their two-year home residency requirement by the time of application;
Individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years; and
Other criteria to be determined in consultation with ECA, including public-heath related status based on guidance from federal agencies at the time of application.
Financial Support :
The program covers the cost of most expenses associated with:
J-1 visa support
Round-trip travel from participants’ home city to the U.S.
Monthly allowance to cover housing, meals, and other living expenses while in the U.S.
Accident and sickness health benefits
Application :
For more information, email info.CEE@irex.org.