Fully Funded TechGirls Exchange Program 2024 – USA

Overview: TechGirls is a U.S.-based summer 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.

Awarding Country: USA

Eligible Countries:

TechGirls will be competitively recruited and selected from the following regions/countries and territories (approximately 3 participants per country/territory):

Sub-Saharan Africa (AF) – Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia
East Asia and the 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

Programs: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

Duration of the Program: 7 Months mentorship with 24 days’ experience in the United States

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 the time of exchange:

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 traveled 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 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.

Selection Time line: The 2024 TechGirls application is open and will close on December 8, 2023 at 12:00 PM noon ET. All applicants will be notified of their status in March 2024.

Award Details:

Covered Costs

The TechGirls 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

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 with halal options when possible.

Official Link: Tech Girls Global