ABOUT THE COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS PROGRAM
The Community Solutions Program (CSP), sponsored by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and implemented by IREX, provides the best and brightest community leaders from around the world with an intensive, four-month U.S.-based, professional development program that includes a substantive hands-on learning experience in the United States. Community Solutions leaders work in one of four technical areas: Environmental Issues, Tolerance and Conflict Resolution, Transparency and Accountability, and Women and Gender Issues. Through tailored fellowships and the Community Leadership Institute (CLI), leaders gain valuable experience in U.S.-based community work, increase skills and knowledge, strengthen their capacity for leadership and development in their home countries, bring years of experience to community development in the United States, and create action plans for community-based initiatives back home. For 2020, the people from underrepresented groups, including people outside of Kathmandu valley, people with disabilities, and people who from the LGBTIQ community are highly encouraged to apply.
For 2020–2021, up to 80 community activists will be selected to participate in the program, which includes:
- Four-month Fellowship in the United States: Community Solutions fellows are matched to 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 help 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
Review the program requirements and eligibility criteria carefully prior to submitting an application. The application can be found here; https://www.irex.org/sites/default/files/FY19%20Application%20Instructions.pdf Requirements are strictly enforced. Applications must be submitted online at https://oas.irex.org/csp by October 30, 2019. Applications that are mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to IREX will not be accepted.
If, after reviewing the application instructions, you have additional questions, please e-mail CultureKTM@state.gov