Are you passionate about building stronger communities and making a real difference? The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program 2024-25 offers young civil society leaders the chance to gain hands-on experience in the U.S. and turn their ideas into impactful projects back home. Start building connections and change the world—one community at a time!
📄 Fellowship Name: 2024-25 Community Engagement Exchange Program (CEE)
📆 Duration: 1 year (March 11 – June 6, 2025, in the U.S. + Community Project Phase)
🔵 Mode: Hybrid (U.S. Practicum + Home Country Project Implementation)
💰 Stipend: Monthly allowance for housing, meals, and living expenses + Travel, Visa, and Health Benefits covered
⏳ Deadline: Every Year July
🏛️ Organization: IREX, in partnership with U.S. Department of State
🗺️ Countries Eligible: India (open to emerging civil society leaders)
🏷️ Tags: Civic Dialogue, Peacebuilding, Gender Equality, Youth Engagement, Environmental Sustainability
🌐 About Organization:
IREX is a global development and education organization dedicated to improving lives by building lasting connections, fostering leadership, and empowering communities worldwide. Partnering with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), IREX runs impactful programs to support emerging leaders across sectors, creating opportunities for education, innovation, and community engagement. Through initiatives like the Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program, IREX aims to strengthen civil societies globally and equip young leaders with the tools they need to drive change.
🚀 About Fellowship:
The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program offers a unique, year-long leadership development experience for young civil society leaders (ages 21-27) from across the globe. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and managed by IREX, this program focuses on issues such as civic dialogue, environmental sustainability, women and gender equality, and youth empowerment. CEE fellows participate in a three-month practicum in the U.S., where they are placed with local civil society organizations for hands-on experience. Upon returning home, fellows implement a Community Engagement Project (CEP) designed during their U.S. stay, contributing to positive change in their communities.
Additionally, select U.S. hosts and CEE experts visit fellows’ home countries to support the projects and enhance collaborative learning.
🏆 Benefits:
- J-1 Visa Support: All visa-related assistance covered
- Round-trip Travel: Flights between participants’ home cities and the U.S.
- Monthly Allowance: Stipend covering accommodation, meals, and daily expenses
- Health Benefits: Accident and sickness insurance during the U.S. stay
- Professional Support: Mentorship, coaching, and leadership workshops
- Global Network: Inclusion in an international alumni network of changemakers
🎓 Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: 21-27 years (by July 2, 2024)
- Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen and currently residing in India
- Experience: At least two years of professional or volunteer experience in civil society or community initiatives
- Project Focus: Must be actively involved in or committed to community engagement projects in India
- Availability: Must be able to participate in the U.S.-based practicum between March 11 – June 6, 2025
- Language Proficiency: Strong command of written and spoken English; semifinalists will need to take a Duolingo test
- Commitment: Must return to home country post-program to implement a community project
Special consideration will be given to candidates with refugee status working on behalf of their home communities.
📝 Application Process:
- Applications for the 2024-25 CEE program are now closed.
- Those selected as semifinalists will complete an interview and language test.
- Finalists must be able to meet communication standards required for the program and apply for a J-1 visa.
- For future updates and to view the FAQ, visit the official IREX CEE Program Page.
For any additional questions or technical difficulties, contact: apply.CEE@irex.org
About LMS
The Let Me Spread website connects colleges, universities, incubators, and organizations with motivated scholars and volunteers ready to make a difference. It streamlines the process of finding and matching opportunities, helping youth, scholars, and volunteers engage with their communities and pursue their dreams.
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