Community Solutions

  • U.S. flag.
  • Seal of the U.S. Department of State.
  • Community Solutions logo.

Community Solutions

Overview

The Community Solutions Program is a yearlong professional development program that supports engaged civil society leaders, ages 26-39, to enhance their leadership and technical expertise to address economic, environmental, political, and social challenges in their local communities.

Through a tailored four-month fellowship with a U.S. nonprofit organization or local government agency, an integrated leadership curriculum, and individualized coaching, visionary leaders strengthen their ability to lead collaboratively, address complex community challenges, and build more equitable, sustainable, and peaceful communities in over 100 countries around the world.

The Community Solutions Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX.

Host a Community Solutions Program Fellow

Community Solutions fellows are engaged global community leaders tackling some of today’s most complex issues. Learn more about hosting a 2024 CSP fellow at your organization!

Quick Facts

  • Since 2010, CSP has supported 832 fellows from 89 countries in becoming more effective leaders.
  • Alumni of the program have impacted more than 629,000 people through follow-on community development initiatives.
  • The program has partnered with a diverse group of 470 host organizations in 40 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
  • 96% of fellows felt that the program improved their leadership and technical skills.
This was one of the most enriching and challenging experiences I have had in my life. Community Solutions Fellow Adriana Obregon, Colombia

Sponsor

U.S. flag and US Department of State seal

Goals

  • Strengthen community leaders’ ability to lead collaboratively, address complex community challenges, and assume greater leadership roles in their institutions and communities
  • Enhance participants’ leadership and technical skills providing concrete tools and resources that facilitate community engagement and civil discourse
  • Build a global network of diverse, multi-disciplinary professionals and civil society leaders committed to innovative problem solving and community engagement

The Community Solutions Program also increases the capacity of U.S. partner organizations by nurturing collaboration and partnerships with international professionals and organizations.

Project Activities

  • Four-month U.S.-based practicum: Community Solutions fellows are matched with nonprofit organizations, private entities, and government offices across the United States where they work with U.S. colleagues on initiatives related to issues they face in their own communities.
  • Community Leadership Institute: The cornerstone of the program, the Community Leadership Institute is a leadership academy that provides customized learning and coaching to each fellow before, during, and after the U.S. experience. Fellows participate in online sessions and in-person workshops, receive professional coaching, engage in experiential learning through tailored professional fellowships at U.S. host institutions, and interact with other professionals in their field.
  • Community-based initiatives: Community Solutions fellows develop innovative community action projects in collaboration with their U.S. host institutions and implement these projects after they return to their home countries. Project summaries are made available online, allowing fellows to share their work with other community leaders around the world.
  • International network of community development professionals: Fellows continue to network and collaborate with like-minded leaders from around the world on global development issues through alumni activities and opportunities offered through the Community Leadership Institute online platform.

People

Contact

E-mail: csp@irex.org

 

The Community Solutions Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX.