Overview

Type: Mentoring Program

Location: The U.S.

Value: Visa Fee and many more

Application Deadline: 6 December, 2022.

 

About the Program

TechGirls connects and supports 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.

In 2023, the program will bring together 111 peers from 35 countries/territories and 15 American young women for a 25-day U.S.-based experience with a 7-month mentoring program (pre- and post- exchange).  

Since 2012, TechGirls has trained and mentored 528 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 six world regions (Western Hemisphere, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Eurasia, East Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, and South and Central Asia).

The core of the program is a 25-day experience in the United States in partnership with Virginia Tech, a public research university. These plans are tentative and subject to adjustment pending review of evolving best practices, including COVID-19 guidelines. TechGirls participate in an interactive technology and computer camp, then virtually travel to one of the following cities (Austin, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, or Seattle) for community and career explorations. The TechGirls programming yields a multiplier effect as participants return home to educate their peers and create community based projects.

TechGirls is packed with skill-development workshops and interactions with America’s most innovative tech professionals as well as 40 hours of study at a Tech Camp with our partner the Center for Enhancement in Engineering Diversity at Virginia Tech.  The TechGirls program offers a rich cultural immersion experience, improves the participants’ ability to enter tech fields and encourages them to pursue higher education in fields where women are underrepresented.

Eligible Countries: TechGirls will be competitively recruited and selected from the following regions/countries and territories:

  • Sub-Saharan Africa (AF) – Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa
  • East Asia and Pacific (EAP) – Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Vietnam
  • Europe and Eurasia (EUR) – Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Turkey
  • Middle East and North Africa (NEA) – Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia
  • South and Central Asia (SCA) – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
  • Western Hemisphere (WHA) – Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Suriname
  • United States of America

TechGirls is an initiative of the opens in a new windowU.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.

 

Eligibility and Application

If you are interested in being a TechGirl, our Summer 2023 application period is Monday, October 17 at 8:00 AM EDT to Friday, December 16 at 12:00 PM EST.

The world needs young women interested in creating solutions for a better world.

 

Selection Process

TechGirls participants are selected based on the eligibility requirements below. Independent selection committees composed of industry leaders and regional experts review applications. United States Embassy personnel in your country of permanent residence interview semifinalists.

If you are a U.S. applicant please see the U.S.A. TechGirls page.

 

2023 Eligibility Requirements

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, and South Africa
      • East Asia and Pacific (EAP) – Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Vietnam
      • Middle East and North Africa (NEA) – Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia
      • South and Central Asia (SCA) – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
      • Western Hemisphere (WHA) – Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Suriname
      • Europe and Eurasia (EUR) – Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Turkey
      • United States of America
  • Are between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange July 8th, 2023 (Born on or between July 9, 2005 and July 8, 2008);
  • 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 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 Timeline

The TechGirls application for 2023 will open on Monday, October 17 at 8:00 AM EDT. The application will then close on Friday, December 16 at 12:00 PM EST. Applicants will be notified of their status in March.

 

Covered Costs

The TechGirls program covers the following costs:

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

At TechGirls, we encourage youth leadership and responsibility and create an environment of trust. We clearly explain the schedule and expect TechGirls to be on time and ready for each activity.  The schedule created helps everyone get most out of the three week intensive learning experience.

Supervision: TechGirls are supervised 24 hours a day. An environment is created to address problems and concerns swiftly. Staff assist youths with cultural adjustments, mentor and counsel as needed. Staff are First Aid and CPR certified to speedily address any health care needs.

Respect for all Religions: The TechGirls staff make sure that the students wishing to practice specific religious observances are given the space and opportunity to do so. The daily schedule is structured to allow for the five daily prayers for Muslims. On Fridays, we allow  time for a longer prayer time at mid-day or for attendance at a congregational Jummah prayer. For those who attend regular Sunday services, we make arrangements for you. Regarding dietary rules, we make sure to carefully show each participant what is halal at buffets and try to arrange meals at halal restaurants when possible.

 

COVID-19 Contingencies

Legacy International is working closely with the U.S. Department of State, local and global health professionals to plan a program that adheres to the best public health practices. As the global health situation stabilizes, we hope to conduct the program in person in summer 2023.

 

Click Here to watch the Techgirls Videos for clarity