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IREX is now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 Community Solutions Program (CSP). Please see the application instructions for more information on how to apply. All applications are due by 11:59 AM EDT on Monday, October 27, 2014.

CSP is a professional development program for the best and brightest global community leaders working in Transparency and Accountability; Tolerance and Conflict Resolution; Environmental Issues; and, Women and Gender Issues. CSP is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, and implemented by IREX.

Project Activities

• Four-month practical U.S. fellowship: CSP leaders are matched with non-profit organizations and government offices across the United States where they work with peer community leaders on initiatives related to Transparency and Accountability, Tolerance and Conflict Resolution, Environmental Issues, and Women and Gender Issues.
• Community Leadership Institute (CLI): CSP leaders spend up to 500 hours developing leadership and organizational management skills through online and in-person trainings.
• Community Action Projects: CSP leaders develop and implement innovative projects in their home communities in collaboration with their new U.S. partners.

FINANCIAL PROVISIONS OF THE GRANT

• J-1 visa support
• Round-trip travel from participant’s home city to the U.S.
• Accident and sickness insurance
• Living allowance to cover housing, meals and incidentals.

ELIGIBILITY

Citizens from Bulgaria are eligible to participate. Candidates will be considered without respect to race, color, religion, national origin, or gender. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Competition for the Community Solutions Program is merit-based and open to community leaders, ages 25-38 at the time of application, who meet the following criteria:

• From a participating country (U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the U.S., and individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years are not eligible for this program)
• Currently living and working in his/her home country (Individuals participating in academic, training or research programs in the United States at the time of application and individuals residing or working outside their home countries at the time of application are not eligible for this program)
• Currently working on a community project or initiative in his/her home country; and, has at least 2 years of professional experience in this capacity at the time of application
• Able to begin the program in the United States in 2015, and is committed to returning to his/her home country after completion of the program
• Able to receive a U.S. J-1 visa (Individuals who have participated in an exchange visitor program sponsored or funded by the U.S. Government who have not fulfilled their two-year home residency requirement by the time of application are not eligible for this program)
• Proficient in spoken and written English at the time of application

Interested applicants should apply directly through the program website. The deadline is Monday, October 27, 2014.