The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has launched a bold new civil society initiative: the Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program. The CEE Program equips emerging civil society leaders with the expertise, resources, and skills to support resilient communities around the world.
The CEE Program is a multi-tiered professional exchange designed for civil society actors and influencers aged 21-28 in over 100 countries, working in five broad themes: Civic Dialogue and Peace Building, Open and Participatory Government, Women and Gender Issues, Resilience and Sustainable Development, and Youth Engagement. Young visionaries, new to or starting careers in the civil society sector, are invited to apply for an immersive exchange program that includes a three-month individually tailored practicum in the United States at a diverse range of host organizations, as well as program mentorship and opportunities to expand participant’s networks by connecting with an ecosystem of civil society leaders. The CEE Program also includes opportunities for Americans to connect and grow their networks and support local efforts through global collaboration. The first cohort of CEE Fellows will arrive in the United States in fall 2022 to begin their journey of transforming innovative ideas into actionable community projects in their home countries.
ECA is partnering with the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX), a nonprofit committed to global development and education, to implement the CEE Program. The application for the CEE Program is currently closed. The next application cycle is scheduled to open in November 2022.
Follow the launch on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #CEEProgram.
Program Length
3 month in-person U.S. practicumEligibility and Application Overview
Public applications are accepted.Competition for the CEE Program is merit-based and open to emerging civil society and community leaders who meet the criteria below. Applications that do not meet these eligibility requirements will be disqualified and will not be reviewed by the selection committee.
- You are between the ages of 21-28 at the time of application
- You are a citizen of one of the eligible countries listed below
- You have a minimum of two years of professional or volunteer experience at the time of application
- You are living and working in your home country
- Individuals with refugee status working on behalf of their home community may be given special consideration
- You have a high level of proficiency in spoken and written English at the time of application
- You are available to travel to the U.S. for three months
- You are committed to returning to your home country to complete a Community Engagement Project (CEP)
- You are not a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. and have not applied for U.S. permanent residency within the past three years
- You are eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa
- You are committed to returning to your home country for a minimum of two years after completing the program and
- You are not a current IREX employee or consultant, or their immediate family member
