The Community Solutions Program (CSP) provides community leaders from around the world with an intensive, professional development exchange program in the United States.  During a four-months internship CSP fellows gain valuable experience in community work and strengthen their capacity for leadership and development in their home countries.

Eligibility criteria:

• Must have citizenship and live permanently in the Republic of Moldova (permanent residents of the Transnistrian region may be considered regardless of citizenship)
• Be eligible for a U.S. J-1 visa. Program participants must return to and reside in Moldova for two years after completion of their program
• Applicants must be between the ages of 26 and 39 as of January 1, 2024
• Applicants must have at least two years of experience working on community development, either as a full-time or part-time employee or volunteer
• Applicants must be living and working in their home country (individuals with refugee status working on behalf of their home community may be given special consideration)
• Applicants must have a high level of proficiency in spoken and written English

For additional eligibility requirements specific to the 2024-2025 application cycle please visit: https://www.irex.org/program/community-solutions-program-application-information

• Four-month fellowship in the United States: Community Solutions fellows are matched with host organizations throughout the U.S. where they complete a four-month, hands-on professional practicum to advance their technical skills and expertise.

• Community Leadership Institute: Community Solutions fellows participate in the Community Leadership Institute, a graduate-level leadership curriculum 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 support 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 implement a six-month follow-on project in their home communities.

Usually, the program is announced in late September with the deadline in late October.

For more information about the program and online application, please visit: https://www.irex.org/program/community-solutions-program-application-information

If you have questions, please contact us at: Education-Moldova@state.gov