The application for the 2022–2023 Community Solutions Program is now closed.
The Community Solutions Program (CSP) is a year-long professional leadership development program for people who are working to improve their communities by addressing issues related to the environment, peace and conflict resolution, transparency and accountability, and women and gender.
Community leaders will be selected to participate in the program that includes:
- Four-month fellowship in the United States:Community Solutions fellows are matched with host organizations throughout the U.S. where they complete a four-month, hands-on professional experience.
- Community Leadership Institute:Community Solutions fellows participate in the Community Leadership Institute, a leadership training program designed to strengthen their leadership and management skills. The Institute includes face-to-face trainings, online courses, professional coaching, and networking.
- Community-based initiatives:While in the U.S. and with the support of their U.S. host organization, Community Solutions fellows design and plan a community development initiative or project to carry out after they return home. Once the fellows depart the U.S., they put these projects into action in their home communities.
Application Instructions
Detailed application instructions can be downloaded by the link below. Please review the program requirements prior to starting an application to ensure that you are eligible. Please note that eligibility requirements are determined by the U.S. Department of State and exceptions cannot be made.
Application Resources
• Application instructions
• Apply: Begin your online application
Financial Support
The program covers the cost of most expenses associated with:
• J-1 visa support
• Round-trip travel from participants’ home city to the U.S.
• Monthly allowance to cover housing, meals, and other living expenses while in the U.S. and
• Accident and sickness insurance
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Community Solutions Program, applicants must meet the requirements listed 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 25 and 38 as of January 1, 2022
• You are citizen of Papua New Guinea
• You are living and working in your home country
• You have at least two years of experience working on community development, either as a full-time or part-time employee or volunteer
• You are available to travel to the U.S. for four months from August to December 2022
• You are committed to returning to your home country for a minimum of two years after completing the program
Please visit the CSP program website for full eligibility requirements https://www.irex.org/program/community-solutions-program-application-information
If, after reviewing the application instructions, you have additional questions, please e-mail cspapply@irex.org.
Note about COVID-19: IREX intends to implement the Community Solutions Program in-person in the United States from August to December 2022 if public health concerns abate. IREX, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and will adjust program implementation accordingly. Ensuring the safety and well-being of CSP participants, partners, and communities is and will continue to be IREX’s highest priority.