Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program 2027 in the USA (Fully Funded)
The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) 2027 is a fully funded six-week US exchange for young leaders aged 22–27 from selected European countries, funded by the US Department of State and run by IREX. Apply by 18 November 2026.
What Is the CEE Program?
The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) is a leadership exchange programme funded by the US Department of State and run by IREX, a global development organisation.
It brings emerging young leaders to the United States for six weeks to build skills in free expression, open dialogue, civic engagement and community problem-solving. After the exchange, fellows return home and lead a community project called "Actions, Words".
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 18 November 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
- Exchange: six weeks in the USA during 2027
- Location: host organisations across the United States
What Fellows Do
- Spend six weeks in the USA, including a four-week placement with a US host organisation
- Learn practical skills in civic leadership and community engagement
- Connect with US leaders and other fellows
- Lead an "Actions, Words" community project back home
Who Can Apply?
- Young people aged 22 to 27 on the application deadline
- Citizens of an eligible country, currently Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and Ukraine
- Living and working in your home country when you apply
- At least 2 years of experience in community work, civic engagement or free expression, which can be professional, volunteer, academic or community-based
- Good spoken and written English
- Able to travel to the US for the full six weeks in 2027
What You Get
- Round-trip flights from your home city to the USA
- J-1 visa support
- A living allowance for housing, meals and other costs
- Health and accident insurance
- Hands-on experience with a US organisation
- Support to carry out a community project at home
- A global network of young civic leaders
How to Apply
- Check that your country is on the eligible list.
- Read the CEE FAQ document on the IREX website.
- Complete the online application at cee.irex.org.
- Submit before 18 November 2026.
Semifinalists may need to take an English test if they don't have a TOEFL score.
Simple Tips
- Share real examples of your community or civic work.
- Explain clearly the issue you want to tackle back home.
- Show how a US placement will help you grow as a leader.
- Keep your answers specific and personal.
- Apply early so you don't rush near the deadline.
Apply Here
- Programme page: https://www.irex.org/program/community-engagement-exchange-program-application-information
- FAQs: https://www.irex.org/files/2027-cee-application-faqs.pdf
- Contact: apply.CEE@irex.org
Disclaimer: World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by IREX or the US Department of State. Please check all details on the official website before applying.
| Organization | IREX / US Department of State | | Region | United States | | Deadline | 18 November 2026 | | Level | Young leaders (aged 22–27) | | Funding | Fully funded |
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by IREX / US Department of State. Always verify details on the official website before applying.
