Applications are open for the 2026 Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program, which is inviting experienced civil society professionals from around the world, including the United States, to serve as CEE Mentors. These mentors will guide CEE Fellows during their fellowship journey, offering access to valuable networks, resources, and diverse perspectives. Mentors will play a key role in various components of the program, from contributing to the online Leadership Academy to participating in major events such as the Welcome Orientation and the End of Program Workshop in the United States.

Those interested in becoming mentors must meet specific eligibility requirements. Candidates should be at least 28 years old, possess alumni status from a U.S. government–funded exchange program in good standing, and hold citizenship either in the United States or in one of the eligible countries. Experience living abroad is essential, and applicants must currently reside and work in their home country. For non-U.S. citizens, eligibility for a J-1 visa is required, with no application for U.S. permanent residency made within the past three years or planned for the next three. Additionally, applicants need a minimum of four years of professional or volunteer experience in civil society and community engagement, strong proficiency in English, and availability to attend in-person program activities in March and June 2026.

Selected mentors will participate in both virtual and in-person training and engagement activities. These include a pre-departure phase from November 2025 to March 2026, with online sessions and discussions, as well as the Mentor Development Training and Welcome Orientation in Chicago in March 2026. Mentors will also support fellows throughout their U.S.-based practicum and the Leadership and Civic Engagement Academy, engaging in monthly meetings, live sessions, and collaborative work on fellows’ Community Engagement Projects.

The role extends beyond the practicum period, as mentors continue to guide fellows for six months during the project implementation stage. They may apply for travel grants to further support their fellows’ initiatives, deliver leadership workshops in their own communities, and contribute to virtual sessions for broader mentor or fellow audiences. The experience concludes with a final debrief to reflect on insights, challenges, and successes gained throughout the mentorship.

The Community Engagement Exchange Program is a U.S. Department of State initiative, funded by the U.S. Government and implemented by IREX, aimed at strengthening civil society through leadership development, cross-cultural collaboration, and community-driven solutions.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity