TechGirls is a summer exchange program based in the United States that aims to empower and support young women (ages 15-17) from the United States and selected countries around the world in pursuing higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields through hands-on skill development training.
The TechGirls program focusses on a 23-day experience in the United States. Participants attend an interactive tech camp in cooperation with Virginia Tech, where they learn about cutting-edge technologies as well as numerous educational and professional options in STEM sectors. Then, TechGirls visit a city in the United States (Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, or Seattle) for community immersion and STEM career discovery. The TechGirls program creates a multiplier effect when participants return home to conduct community-based projects with seven months of mentorship.
Benefits of US Government TechGirls Summer Exchange Program
The TechGirls Summer Exchange Program covers 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
Requirements for US Government TechGirls Summer Exchange Program
Students eligible to apply for the TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 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 Tu?rkiye
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.
Please note that family members of U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff. U.S. Department of State employees, family members of the administering organization or partner organizations are not eligible to apply.
TechGirls encourages people with diverse backgrounds and skills to apply, including individuals with disabilities.
Selection Process
All TechGirls Summer Exchange Program participants are selected based on the eligibility requirements below. Independent selection committees composed of industry leaders and regional experts review applications.
For international semi-finalists, U.S. embassy personnel in host country/territory of permanent residence conduct interviews.
For U.S. semi-finalists, Legacy International conducts interviews.
