About the Program
TechGirls is an international exchange program designed 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.
TechGirls is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' (ECA) mission is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange that assist in the development of peaceful relations.
Since 2012, TechGirls has trained and mentored 653 teenage girls (ages 15-17). The program began supporting girls from the Middle East and North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, and Yemen). In 2019, the program expanded to include young women from Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan). In 2022, the program underwent a global expansion to begin serving girls in all six world regions (Western Hemisphere, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Eurasia, East Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, and South and Central Asia).
Eligibility
Students eligible to apply are those who:
Are citizens of one of the eligible countries/territories AND living in that country/territory at time of exchange:
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
Are between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange on July 13, 2024
Born on or between July 13, 2006 and July 13, 2009;
Have demonstrated advanced skills and a serious interest in science, technology, engineering, and/or math in their academic studies;
Intend to pursue higher education and/or careers in STEM, especially technology;
Have strong English language skills (advanced intermediate English skills);
Exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness;
Will attend at least one additional semester of secondary school upon their return to their home country;
Are committed to completing a community-based project upon their return home; and
Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for a J-1 visa).
Eligible candidates must be citizens and current residents of participating countries. Third-country nationals permanently living in an eligible country should contact us to determine eligibility prior to applying.
Preference will be given to those who have limited or no prior experience in the United States. You are not eligible if you have travelled to the United States in the last three years as part of any other ECA exchange program.
Benefits
The TechGirls program cover the following costs:
Visa fee for international participants
Roundtrip international airfare from participant home country to the United States
Roundtrip domestic airfare from participant home city (as applicable)
Housing during program
Double occupancy dormitory accommodations at Virginia Tech
Double occupancy accommodations at hotel in Washington, D.C.
Meals during program
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Local transportation to group program events
Cultural events organized by Legacy International
Emergency health insurance
How to Apply
Students who are interested in this program can apply through this link: https://techgirlsglobal.org/instructions/
Application Period
The application will close on 8 December 2023.
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