The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) offers growing community and civil society leaders the IREX Community Engagement Exchange Program 2026. It seeks to empower leaders of civil society to use knowledge, connections, and networks for the benefit of society. In addition to other incentives, chosen individuals will get a monthly stipend. IREX collaborates with partners in over 100 nations in four key areas that are necessary for advancement: expanding access to high-quality education and information, building leaders, empowering youth, and fortifying institutions. Keep reading this article to know more about the IREX Community Engagement Exchange Program 2026.
About IREX
IREX is an international organization dedicated to education and development. They pay more attention to individuals than to wells or roads. They focus on themes including youth, leadership, information, and education in over 100 countries. IREX established a strategic alliance with Development Gateway, a nonprofit organization with the purpose of using data to better the lives of individuals and communities. Through the relationship, Development Gateway is positioned as an IREX subsidiary. Too many individuals worldwide are unable to reach their full potential due to ongoing poverty, oppression, and injustice.
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Objective of the IREX Community Engagement Exchange Program
The primary objective of the IREX Community Engagement Exchange Program is to provide financial help to the leaders and knowledgeable people across the world to achieve experiences that can help them change society. The year-long IREX CEE Program gives participants the skills they need to lead ethically and cooperatively while tackling urgent community concerns. Fellows are paired with civil society groups for a three-month practicum in the United States as part of the curriculum to obtain practical experience. Additionally, fellows take part in a Leadership and Civic Engagement Academy that provides expert coaching, mentorship, and interactive training.
Key Highlights of the IREX Community Engagement Exchange Program
| Name of the Scholarship | IREX Community Engagement Exchange Program |
| Funded by | IREX |
| Objective | To provide 1 year mentorship tp people who want to change and benefit society |
| Beneficiaries | People across the world |
| Benefits | Skill development |
| Year | 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | IREX Website |
Eligibility Criteria
In order to qualify, a candidate has to:
- Be between the ages of 21 and 27.
- Be an Indian citizen who is residing and employed in India at the time of application.
- Have at least two years of professional or volunteer experience in the community or civil society sector, and be actively involved in a community engagement project back home (either professionally or as a volunteer, demonstrating a desire to work in civil society).
- Be eligible to start the CEE program in the United States in 2026.
- Be eligible for a US J-1 visa
- Be determined to carry out a community-based project and return home for at least two years following program completion.
- Possesses strong working proficiency in the English language
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Financial Benefits
- Travel, lodging, course materials, and a living expenditure stipend
- Availability of coaching, mentorship, and training
- Experience networking with world leaders and working with U.S. organizations
- Encouragement to carry out a project that tackles regional issues
Important Dates
| Events of the Workshop | Dates |
| Application Start | 23 April 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 22 May 2025 |
| Application Review, Notification, and Interview of Semifinalists | 3 June 2025 |
| English Language Exam | 8 October 2025 |
| J-1 Applications Start | 9 October 2025 |
| Mentorship Development Training | 20 March 2026 |
| End of Workshop | 22-26 June 2026 |
| Return to Home Country | 26 June 2026 |
List of Eligible Countries
- Africa: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
- East Asia and the Pacific: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
- Europe and Eurasia: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia.
- Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia.
- South and Central Asia: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
- Western Hemisphere: Bolivia, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Peru, and Venezuela.
Required Documents
- An application that has been properly filled out and
- TOEFL/IELTS results that were obtained within the previous two years of application
- Transcripts of prior experiences
- Academic performance certificates
- Records attesting to one’s professional background
Selection Process
- Candidates who meet the qualifying requirements and have experience will be chosen.
- The Community will select only those candidates who are extraordinary and have strong goals toward the upliftment of society.
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IREX Community Engagement Exchange Program Apply Online
- Step 1: Go to the IREX Website, where you must click the “Apply Now” button below to access the IREX program page.
- Step 2: Select the ‘Register‘ option and provide the necessary information. If you have already registered, use your Gmail account, mobile number, or email address to log in.
- Step 3: Click “Apply Now” after navigating to it.
- Step 4: Select the “Start a new application” option.
- Step 5: Click “Save and Continue” after checking the boxes indicating your agreement to the conditions.
- Step 6: Complete the steps to create a password and verify that the email address is operational.
- Step 7: Finish the application by entering the relevant data and attaching the appropriate files.
Contact Details
- 1350 I Street NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005
- Tel: +1 202-628-8188
- E-mail: communications@irex.org
FAQs
What is the IREX Community Engagement Exchange Program 2026?
The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) offers growing community and civil society leaders the IREX Community Engagement Exchange Program 2026.
What are the benefits of this program?
Fellows are paired with civil society groups for a three-month practicum in the United States as part of the curriculum to obtain practical experience,
Who can apply for this program?
The applicant must Have at least two years of professional or volunteer experience in the community or civil society sector and be actively involved in a community engagement project back home.
What is the duration of this program?
The year-long IREX CEE Program gives participants the skills they need to lead ethically and cooperatively while tackling urgent community concerns.