If you're a young woman between the ages of 15 and 17, brimming with passion for science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), TechGirls is the gateway to your dreams.
TechGirls is a U.S.-based summer exchange program initiated by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Launched in 2012, TechGirls aims to empower and support young women (ages 15-17) from the United States and select countries around the world to pursue higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields through hands-on skills development training with American technologists.
How TechGirls Supports Young Women in STEM
TechGirls brings together young female leaders from the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and the United States for a dynamic and immersive experience. The centerpiece of the program is a ten-day technology camp hosted on a U.S. university campus, where participants engage in an in-depth examination of cutting-edge technologies and various educational and professional paths in STEM fields. The camp is complemented by additional activities such as site visits to technology companies, leadership workshops, job shadow experiences, community service opportunities, cultural/recreational events, and homestays with American families.
TechGirls Program Coverage
The TechGirls program is fully funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Here’s what’s covered for participants:
Visa Fees: All visa expenses are covered.
Round-trip International Airfare: Travel costs to and from the United States.
Accommodation: Housing for the duration of the program.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage during the program.
Transportation: Local transportation for program-related activities.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.
Cultural Events: Participation in various cultural and recreational activities.
Duration
The TechGirls program typically lasts for about three weeks. During this time, participants engage in various activities, including a ten-day technology camp, site visits to tech companies, leadership workshops, job shadowing experiences, community service projects, cultural events, and homestays with American families. This immersive experience is designed to provide young women with a comprehensive and enriching learning opportunity in the STEM fields.
In 2025, the program will support 111 young women from 37 participating countries and 13 U.S. peers in a dynamic three-week U.S.-based experience with a seven-month mentoring program (including pre-and post-exchange).
TechGirls Program Components
The TechGirls program includes:
Technology Camp: An interactive tech camp providing hands-on skills development and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
Site Visits: Visits to leading technology companies to gain insights into the industry.
Leadership Workshops: Workshops focused on developing leadership skills and fostering personal growth.
Job Shadow Experience: Opportunities to shadow professionals in STEM fields.
Community Service: Engaging in community service projects to give back to the local community.
Recreational Events: Participating in cultural and recreational activities to enhance cultural understanding and build friendships.
Homestays: Staying with American host families to experience American culture firsthand.
Follow-On Projects
As part of the program, TechGirls participants implement at least one peer training program or service project within their schools and/or communities upon their return home. This follow-on project helps to sustain the impact of the program and encourages participants to become leaders and role models in their communities.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for TechGirls, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be a citizen and current resident of participating countries (See below).
Are between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange on July 12, 2025
Have demonstrated advanced skills and a serious interest in technology, engineering, and/or math in their academic studies.
Intend to pursue higher education and/or careers in technology.
Have strong English language skills.
Exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness.
Be committed to completing a follow-on project upon their return home.
Will attend at least one additional semester of secondary school upon their return to their home country;
Participating Countries
Sub-Saharan Africa (AF) – Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia
East Asia and Pacific (EAP) – Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Vietnam
Europe and Eurasia (EUR) – Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Türkiye
Middle East and North Africa (NEA) – Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia
South and Central Asia (SCA) – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
Western Hemisphere (WHA) – Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Suriname
United States of America
Application Procedure
Interested and Qualified candidates must submit their applications online through the online application portal.
🗓️ Application Deadline: December 6, 2024 at 12:00 PM (noon) USA Eastern Standard Time. All applicants will be notified of their status in March 2025.
🌐 For further information and to submit your application, click button below.
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