The 2027 Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program is now accepting applications from eligible young leaders interested in civic engagement, freedom of expression, constructive dialogue, and community development. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX, the international exchange program offers emerging leaders an opportunity to gain practical experience, strengthen leadership skills, and build professional networks in the United States.
Interested applicants must submit their applications by November 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). The program is designed for young community leaders who want to promote free speech, encourage public participation, and develop solutions to challenges affecting their home communities.
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2027 Community Engagement Exchange Program Overview
The Community Engagement Exchange Program is a leadership development initiative that connects emerging civil society leaders with American organizations, institutions, and community professionals.
The 2027 CEE Program will provide selected participants with a six-week exchange experience in the United States. The program combines professional placements, practical learning, leadership development, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Participants will explore how community organizations promote civic participation, manage disagreements constructively, and encourage inclusive public discussions. They will also learn practical approaches to community problem-solving that can be adapted to their home countries.
Through this international exchange opportunity, participants can strengthen their professional abilities while gaining insights into freedom of expression and democratic participation.
Application Deadline for the 2027 CEE Program
The application deadline for the 2027 Community Engagement Exchange Program is November 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to prepare their applications early and carefully review the official eligibility requirements before submitting their details.
Missing the application deadline could prevent interested candidates from being considered for the 2027 program. Applicants should also ensure that they can participate in the full six-week exchange experience in the United States during 2027.
To apply, candidates should visit the official IREX website and access the Community Engagement Exchange Program application information.
What Does the Community Engagement Exchange Program Offer?
The CEE Program provides selected participants with practical learning opportunities and professional exposure to community engagement initiatives in the United States.
The six-week exchange includes a four-week professional placement with a U.S. host organization, allowing participants to learn directly from organizations working on civic participation, dialogue, and community development.
Key program benefits include:
- Professional experience: Participate in a four-week placement with a U.S. host organization.
- Leadership development: Improve leadership, communication, and project design skills.
- Civic engagement training: Learn approaches to public participation, constructive dialogue, and freedom of expression.
- International networking: Build professional relationships with American and international counterparts.
- Cross-cultural learning: Exchange ideas and experiences with people from different backgrounds.
- Community project development: Design and implement an Actions, Words project to address a local challenge after returning home.
These experiences are intended to help participants translate international learning into meaningful community-based initiatives.
Who Can Apply for the 2027 CEE Program?
The Community Engagement Exchange Program targets emerging civil society and community leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement and positive social change.
Applicants should have experience or involvement in areas such as free speech, civic education, constructive public discourse, public participation, conflict reduction, or community-level problem-solving.
Candidates must demonstrate a clear interest in developing initiatives that promote freedom of expression and strengthen civic participation in their home countries.
The program is particularly relevant to young professionals, community organizers, civic educators, and emerging leaders who want to expand their knowledge and contribute to their communities.
Eligibility Requirements for the CEE Program
Applicants must meet the program’s eligibility requirements to be considered for the 2027 Community Engagement Exchange Program.
The main requirements include:
- Age requirement: Applicants must be between 22 and 27 years old on November 18, 2026, the application closing date.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of an eligible country listed for the program.
- Relevant experience: Candidates must have at least two years of relevant professional, volunteer, academic, or community experience related to First Amendment issues and civic engagement.
- Home-country residence: Applicants must be living and working in their home country when applying, subject to the program’s stated exceptions.
- English proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Leadership commitment: Applicants must show a commitment to developing a locally relevant free-speech or civic engagement initiative.
- Cross-cultural participation: Candidates must be able to work effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
- Full participation: Selected participants must be available for the complete six-week exchange in the United States in 2027.
- Community impact: Participants must commit to returning home and implementing a community-based project after the exchange.
Semifinalists without an existing qualifying TOEFL score will be required to complete an English-language proficiency assessment.
Applicants should review the official program guidance for complete eligibility conditions and exceptions.
Countries Eligible for the 2027 Community Engagement Exchange Program
According to the provided program information, eligible countries are:
- Czechia
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
- United Kingdom
- Ukraine
Only citizens of the listed eligible countries can apply under the stated country eligibility criteria. Applicants should confirm their eligibility and any updated requirements through IREX before submitting an application.
Who Is Not Eligible for the CEE Program?
Certain individuals are excluded from the U.S.-based Community Engagement Exchange Program.
These include U.S. citizens and permanent residents, people participating in academic or research programs outside their home countries at the time of application, and individuals living or working abroad unless they qualify under the stated refugee-related exception.
Applicants who previously participated in a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program may be ineligible if they have not fulfilled the applicable two-year home residency requirement.
Individuals who applied for U.S. permanent residency within the past three years are also excluded under the stated criteria. Additional restrictions may apply, so candidates should consult the official eligibility information.
Financial Benefits of the Community Engagement Exchange Program
The 2027 CEE Program covers most expenses associated with participation, helping selected candidates access the international exchange experience.
Financial support includes:
- J-1 visa support.
- Round-trip travel from the participant’s home city to the United States.
- An allowance for housing, meals, and other living expenses during the U.S. exchange.
- Accident and sickness health benefits.
Applicants should note that the program covers most associated expenses rather than necessarily every possible personal cost. The official program guidance should be consulted for specific funding conditions.
How to Apply for the 2027 Community Engagement Exchange Program
Interested candidates should visit the official IREX website and open the Community Engagement Exchange Program application page.
Before applying, applicants should verify their age, citizenship, relevant experience, English proficiency, and availability for the full program. They should also prepare to explain how their experience connects to civic engagement and how they intend to apply the skills gained in their home community.
Application deadline: November 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
For questions about the application process or eligibility requirements, contact the CEE team at apply.CEE@irex.org or consult the official program FAQ.
Final Thoughts
The 2027 Community Engagement Exchange Program offers eligible young leaders an opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain professional experience, and strengthen community engagement initiatives. Through its six-week U.S. exchange, professional placement, and community project component, the program encourages participants to turn international learning into local action.
Eligible candidates interested in freedom of expression, civic participation, and constructive dialogue should review the requirements and submit their applications before the November 18, 2026 deadline.
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