Call for Applications: Community Solutions Program (CSP) 2027 - Fully Funded U.S. Exchange for Experienced Community Leaders - Global South Opportunities

The Community Solutions Program (CSP) 2027 is inviting applications from experienced community leaders seeking to strengthen their leadership skills, build international professional connections and a

The programme targets experienced community leaders who can demonstrate a record of contributing to positive change in their communities.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 27 and 39 years old at the time of application.
• Be a citizen of a country listed on the official CSP application website.
• Have at least five years of experience working on community issues.
• Demonstrate measurable benefits resulting from their work in local communities.
• Be living and working in their country of citizenship at the time of application.
• Have strong spoken and written English-language proficiency.
• Be available to participate in the 2027 U.S.-based exchange.
• Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
• Not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and not have applied for U.S. permanent residency within the previous three years.

Applicants who previously participated in a U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programme must have fulfilled the applicable two-year home residency requirement.

Candidates must also be committed to returning home and implementing their SCALE-Up Projects.

The Community Solutions Program covers most expenses associated with participation, reducing the financial barriers to taking part in the international exchange.

Support includes:

• J-1 visa support.
• Round-trip travel between the participant’s home city and the United States.
• A monthly allowance for accommodation, meals and other living expenses while in the United States.
• Accident and sickness health coverage.
• Accessibility accommodations and related support where required.

The programme also provides disability-related assistance during the application process and fellowship, including accessible application materials, English-language testing accommodations, sign-language interpretation, live captioning and accessible accommodation where needed.

Applications for the Community Solutions Program 2027 are open.

The deadline is 24 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (Washington, DC), according to the accompanying application announcement.

Interested applicants should review the official eligibility requirements and detailed application instructions before beginning the process. The U.S. Department of State and IREX determine the eligibility requirements, and exceptions cannot be made.

Official application portal: https://csp.irex.org/

Application instructions here

Programme information: https://www.irex.org/program/community-solutions-program-application-information

For additional questions, applicants can contact IREX at apply.csp@irex.org.

Important Note: Global South Opportunities (GSO) shares scholarship, fellowship, job, internship and funding opportunities for informational purposes and is not the offering organisation. Applicants should verify all eligibility requirements, funding details, deadlines and application procedures with the official source. GSO does not receive or process applications or CVs for this opportunity.