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.

• 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 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.

• Increase the capacity of U.S. organizations by nurturing collaboration and partnerships with international professionals and organizations.
• Strengthen community leaders’ ability to lead effectively, 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 multi-disciplinary professionals and civil society leaders committed to innovative problem solving and community engagement.

• Four-month U.S.-based practicum: Community Solutions fellows are matched with local 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.

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.