For nearly 60 years, IREX has worked in over 100 countries to help people solve problems, build trust, and create better opportunities for themselves and their communities.

IREX (International Research & Exchanges Board) was founded in 1968 by a network of leading U.S. universities with support from the Ford Foundation, the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), and the U.S. Department of State. The first mission of IREX was to administer exchange programs with the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries with the intent to not limit IREX's reach geographically. Since its founding, IREX has successfully implemented development programs with partners that have advanced the lives of people and communities in more than 100 nations. Learn more about our history.

What Drives Our Work 

We believe real progress comes from investing in people, building relationships that last, and creating the conditions where trust can grow.

We focus on three horizon goals that define our impact:

• Leaders bridge divides – Leaders collaborate with communities, institutions, and the private sector to build trust, co-create solutions, and deliver results.
• Learners succeed in the world of work – People enter and advance in dignified employment through education and training that respond to their needs and the evolving demands of work.
• People thrive in a technology-, AI-, and data-driven world – They exercise agency, make informed choices, drive innovation, and ensure that digital progress advances human well-being.

How We Work

We partner with governments, businesses, community groups, universities, and local organizations to solve problems together—not just deliver programs. We bring deep expertise, connect people through our global networks, and work side-by-side with those who share our commitment to making things better.

Young people are at the heart of what we do. As pioneers in youth engagement, we've been working with the next generation for decades because we know investing in young people creates the biggest impact—they're building stronger economies, sparking innovation, and shaping the future right now.

We're focused on results. With teams working around the world, we combine real expertise with the flexibility to adapt and solve the problems that matter most to the people and communities we serve.

Development Gateway: An IREX Venture

IREX's strategic partnership with Development Gateway positions Development Gateway as a subsidiary of IREX and joins IREX’s focus on investing in people, forward-leaning solutions, and large global footprint, with Development Gateway’s innovative use of data, technology, and evidence. IREX and Development work together across our AI, Future-Ready Workforce, Dynamic Leadership Development, Higher-Education Solutions, and Online Safety initiatives provide our partners with enduring services and solutions.

Our Reach Extends Beyond Our Base

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., IREX advances not only U.S. interests by strengthening communities, institutions, and individuals through global engagement, but also matching issues worldwide. 

We connect people and communities to new ideas, skills, and networks that foster stronger, more resilient communities. We build mutual understanding and lasting partnerships that cultivate innovation and promote security and economic opportunity. 

Learn more about our continued commitment within the United States.

IREX Branding

The IREX brand is a symbol of our commitment to empower people to learn, lead, and thrive in an ever-changing world. It is a symbol of the opportunities for people to succeed in a technology-, AI-, and data-driven world.

Access to the IREX brand is limited to approved partners, funders, and supporters. The IREX Communications team may provide you with access to use the brand upon request at communications@irex.org.

IREX's brand guidelines and logo files should never be modified in any way, but we encourage you to proportionally resize the logos as needed. Our team will assist you if you have questions about how to use the brand guidelines or logo files.