U.S. Exchange Alumni Fellowship 2026: Paid Leadership Fellowship in the United States for Government Exchange Alumni

The U.S. Exchange Alumni Fellowship 2026 is a leadership and community-building programme implemented by IREX in partnership with the U.S. Department of State. The 10-month fellowship empowers selected alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to strengthen professional networks, lead regional engagement initiatives, and support economic and civic development across the United States. Nine fellows will be selected across different U.S. regions to mobilize alumni communities while developing skills in leadership, communications, and programme management.

Programme Overview

The fellowship is part of the U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program, designed to deepen connections among alumni and amplify the long-term impact of exchange programmes. Selected fellows will serve as regional representatives responsible for strengthening engagement among alumni and promoting professional development opportunities. The programme combines leadership experience, mentorship responsibilities, and policy exposure.

The fellowship runs from April 2026 to January 2027. Read more about the program overview here.

Programme Impact

The fellowship supports citizen diplomacy by connecting exchange alumni communities and promoting professional collaboration nationwide. Participants gain leadership experience while strengthening the long-term impact of U.S. international exchange programmes.

Fellowship Responsibilities

Fellows will take ownership of a U.S. region and coordinate initiatives that grow and activate the alumni network.

During the fellowship, participants will:

• Lead regional initiatives to strengthen alumni engagement

• Plan professional development and networking events

• Mentor early-career professionals

• Coordinate volunteer alumni leaders

• Promote alumni grants, events, and opportunities

• Manage communications and outreach campaigns

• Support Career Connections seminars

• Attend the in-person Washington, D.C. Career Connections seminar

• Participate in a professional development workshop

• Provide regular reporting to IREX and the U.S. Department of State

Benefits and Support

Participants receive both financial support and professional exposure throughout the programme.

Financial and Professional Benefits

• Monthly stipend for fellowship activities

• Professional development workshop in Washington, D.C. (July 2026)

• Eligibility for additional funding to run in-person events

• Hands-on experience in programme management and strategic communications

• Mentorship and leadership training

• Collaboration with policy leaders and government institutions

Career Development Benefits

• National-level leadership experience

• Expanded professional network

• Experience in public diplomacy and civic engagement

• Skills in communications, outreach, and event management

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be an alumnus/alumna in good standing of a U.S. government-sponsored exchange programme

Examples include Fulbright, Gilman Scholarship, Boren Scholarship/Fellowship, Peace Corps, International Sports Programming Initiatives, and similar programs.

Employees of the U.S. Department of State and IREX and their immediate family members are not eligible.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Commitment to strengthening the alumni network

• Experience in outreach, recruitment, or event coordination

• Engagement with exchange alumni communities

• Communication and organizational skills

• Event planning and budget management experience

• Contribution to career development goals

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form

• Professional resume

• Proof of alumni status (if requested)

• Letter of recommendation from an academic or professional reference

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Fellowship Timeline

• Applications open: 22 January 2026

• Application deadline: 23 February 2026

• Selection announcement: March 2026

• Orientation: April 2026

• Fellowship period: April 2026 – January 2027

Click here to begin your application process.

For questions about the U.S. Exchange Alumni Program Fellowship, please email USexchangealumni@irex.org. 

Click here to discover more fellowship opportunities.