The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) offers up-and-coming 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 allowance. IREX collaborates with partners in over 100 nations in four crucial areas for advancement: empowering young people, developing leaders, fortifying institutions, and expanding access to high-quality information and education. The interested candidates can visit the official website to apply online. In this article, we will provide you with all the information about this program.
Motive of the IREX Community Engagement Exchange Program
The goal of the IREX Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program is to enable up-and-coming civil society leaders from around the globe, who are between the ages of 20 and 27, to become more successful advocates for constructive change in their local communities. It offers a one-year leadership development program with an emphasis on enhancing knowledge and abilities to use networks, connections, and information for the benefit of the public, especially in fields like open government, civic engagement, and peacebuilding. The programโs goal is to enable participants to assume more leadership positions in their communities and organisations.
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Key Highlights of the IREX Community Engagement Exchange Program
Name of the article | IREX Community Engagement Exchange Program |
Launched | International Research Exchange Board |
Beneficiaries | The students of India |
Benefits | The applicants will receive the experience to bring the changes in society |
Year | 2025 |
Application mode | Online |
Official website | IREX Website |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for applying under this program are given below:-
- The applicant should be between the ages of 21 and 27.
- The applicant should be an Indian citizen who is residing and employed in India at the time of application.
- The applicant should have worked or volunteered in the community/civil society sector for at least two years.
- The applicant should be actively involved in a community engagement project back home (either professionally or as a volunteer, demonstrating a desire to work in civil society).
- The applicant should be eligible to start the CEE program in the United States in 2026.
- The applicant should be eligible for a US J-1 visa.
- The applicant should be determined to carry out a community-based project and return home for at least two years following program completion.
- The applicant should possess strong working proficiency in the English language.
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Financial Benefits
The applicant will receive the allowance for round-trip travel from their home city to the US under this program. They will also receive a monthly allowance to cover housing, meals, and other living expenses in the US. Accident and sickness health benefits will also be provided.
Important Dates
- Start date of application: May 2025
- Last date for the application: 22 May 2025
List Of Eligible Countries
- Africa: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the 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
The documents required for applying under this program is given below:-
- A duly completed application form
- TOEFL/IELTS results (valid only if achieved within the past 2 years of application)
- Transcripts of previous experience
- Transcripts of academic performance
- Documents supporting professional background
Selection Process
The candidates will be selected based on experience and fulfillment of the eligibility criteria.
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IREX Community Engagement Exchange Program Apply Online
To apply online under this program, you need to follow the below given procedure below step by step:-
- Step 1: First of all, visit the IREX Website of the program to initiate the online application process.

- Step 2:- On the homepage of the Official website, you need to click on the Apply now button.

- Step 3:- After this, you will be redirected to the application form page, where you need to provide all the important details about yourself.
- Step 4:- Now you need to attach all the important documents in this Step.
- Step 5:- After this, enter the captcha code and review all the information once again before clicking on the submit button.
Helpline Number
- Dial: +1 202-628-8188
FAQS
What is the IREX Community Engagement Exchange Program 2026?
Itโs a program launched by the IREX for Indian students who want to be the next generation of leaders and bring change.
What are the Benefits of this program?
The applicants will receive a monthly allowance for their use, and also a travel and health allowance.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying under this program?
The applicant should be a permanent resident of India.
Can I Apply Online under this program?
Yes, you can apply online by visiting the official website of the program.