TechGirls Program: Supporting Next Generation of Women Leaders in STEM

Deadline: 1 February 2019

Applications are open for TechGirls Program which is an Initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to connect and support the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by providing them access and opportunities to advance their skills and pursue their dreams.

This program is a three-week, U.S.-based summer exchange program designed to empower and inspire girls to pursue careers in science and technology.

Program activities include hands-on technology classes, labs, team-based project design and development, mentoring experiences, job shadowing, site visits to high-tech companies, and opportunities for interaction with American peers. Participants implement at least one peer-training program or service project within their communities.

TechGirls will:

Challenge themselves with new questions and concepts
Learn coding and tech skills from enthusiastic university professors
Network with influential industry leaders
Discover their own innovative leadership style
Create meaningful friendships with young women from all over the MENA region and the USA
Explore the diverse communities of Washington, D.C. and southwest Virginia
Inspire the next generation of women and girls in their home countries

Benefits

The TechGirls program covers the following costs:

Roundtrip international airfare from participant home country to the United States
Housing during program
Double occupancy hotel or dormitory accommodations
Meals during program
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Local transportation to group program events
Cultural events organized by Legacy International
Emergency health insurance

Eligibility Criteria

Students eligible to apply are those who:
- Are from one of the following eligible countries:
  - United States
  - Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia;
  - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
- Are between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange;
- 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;
- Will attend at least one additional semester of secondary school upon their return to their home country; and
- Are committed to completing a community-based project upon their return home.
- Preference will be given to those who have limited or no prior experience in the United States. Applicants are not eligible if they have travelled to the United States in the last three years as part of any other ECA exchange program.
Please note that family members of U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff or U.S. Department of State employees are not eligible to apply.
TechGirls encourages people with diverse backgrounds and skills to apply, including individuals with disabilities.