The USA Department of State’s Community Solutions Program serves as a vital platform for global cultural exchange and public diplomacy.
This ambitious initiative encompasses a wide array of programs designed to foster social inclusion, stimulate economic growth, facilitate conflict resolution, and achieve other meaningful objectives. By empowering marginalized communities, the program seeks to uplift those in need.
Collaborating closely with local leaders and community advocates, the Community Solutions Program operates both in the United States and across the globe, offering innovative solutions to the pressing challenges faced by diverse communities.
Its overarching mission is to enhance the quality of life for all, as evidenced by its engagements with youth organizations in Mexico and support for refugee families in Jordan.
For those aspiring to make a positive impact both locally and internationally, enrolling in the Community Solutions Program is an excellent opportunity. The U.S. Department of State prioritizes building stronger communities and fostering global peace.
This program stands out as a contemporary effort to utilize community-focused projects to promote cross-cultural understanding and bridge divides.
Participants from various backgrounds come together to collaborate on initiatives aimed at addressing social issues, nurturing relationships within neighborhoods, and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. You can also check out the Study of the USA Institutes(SUSI) Leadership Summer Exchange Program 2025
Program Overview:
- The USA is the host country
- The program is an initiative of the USA Department of State
- Open to International Students
- The application deadline is November 13th, 2024.
Benefits of the Program:
- You get assistance for your J-1 visas
- Return travel from your home city to the United States.
- Paid monthly stipend for housing, food, and living expenditures
- Health insurance for illnesses and accidents
- Accommodations for accessibility such as ADA-compliant rooms, assistive technology, and neighborhood assistance
Eligible Countries:
Europe | Africa | The Middle East and North Africa | South and Central Asia | Western Hemisphere | East Asia and the Pacific |
Moldova | Democratic Republic of Congo | United Arab Emirates | Maldives | Brazil | Singapore |
Bulgaria | Kenya | Jordan | Kazakhstan | Dominican Republic | Cambodia |
Turkey | Ghana | Oman | Kyrgyzstan | El Salvador | Vietnam |
Romania | Botswana | Iraq | Pakistan | Guatemala | Laos |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Ethiopia | Bahrain | Uzbekistan | Guyana | Malaysia |
the Czech Republic | Guinea | Israel | Tajikistan | Bolivia | Mongolia |
Selection Criteria:
Requires you to be between 26 and 39 years old on November 13, 2024.
Open to all nationalities
You must reside and be employed in your nation of origin
Workers from their native community who are refugees may be given preferential treatment.
A minimum of two years of full-time, part-time, or volunteer experience in community development is required.
Not engaged in any training, research, or academic program in the United States at this time.
High level of written and spoken English competence
TOEFL or IELTS test results must be submitted by semifinalists or passed.
You must be available for a four-month trip to the United States (August to December 2025)
Not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, and you haven’t applied for permanent status in the last three years
Need to be qualified for a J-1 visa to the United States
If you have previously taken part in an exchange program run by the U.S. government, you must have completed the two-year requirement of home residency.
How to Apply:
Visit the official IREX page for the Community Solutions Program.
Verify Your Eligibility Before you begin, be sure you meet all the requirements for qualifying.
To start the application process, register on the application portal.
Please provide your information, job history, and background in community development.
Attach all necessary paperwork, including your CV or resume letters of recommendation, and documentation of your English language skills.
Make sure you upload the required documents and finish all the sections of your application before the deadline.