Tech Girls Summer Exchange Program 2025

Fully Funded

Deadline: December 6, 2024

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The Application Deadline has past

November 6, 2024
9:36 am

Applications are now open for TechGirls Summer Exchange program 2025

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.

In 2025, the program will support 111 young women from 37 participating countries/territories and 13 U.S. peers in a dynamic three-week U.S.-based experience with a seven-month mentoring program (including pre-and post-exchange).

The core of the TechGirls program is a 23-day experience in the United States. In partnership with Virginia Tech, participants engage in an interactive tech camp that provides an in-depth examination of cutting-edge technologies and various educational and professional paths in STEM fields. Then, TechGirls travel to a city around the USA (Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, or Seattle) for community immersion and STEM career exploration. The TechGirls programming yields a multiplier effect as participants return home to conduct community-based projects with seven months of mentorship.

TechGirls is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

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 12, 2025
  - Born on or between July 13, 2007 and July 12, 2010;
- 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
- 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.
- Not eligible if you are a family member of U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff or U.S. Department of State employees. You cannot be a family member of a Legacy International staff member or any of our partner organizations.
- Americans who are dual citizens and living abroad are not eligible to travel to the US on the program or get a J-1 visa.
TechGirls encourages people with diverse backgrounds and skills to apply, including individuals with disabilities.

Benefits

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 population includes girls from a variety of faith backgrounds and the staff make sure that the students wishing to practice specific religious observances are given the space and opportunity to do so.

Following dietary rules, we make sure to collect information about dietary needs and help participants navigate university cafeterias and hotel buffets and select foods consistent with their beliefs.
The daily schedule is structured to allow for daily prayers
Weekly observances for those that attend more focused services on a weekly basis, we provide spaces within the schedule on Fridays and Sundays for personal reflection. Given the schedule and group size, it is not always possible to attend congregational services in the USA.

Eligible Regions:

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

Application Process

– Don’t wait until the last minute to apply!

– Complete your answers in a second document, carefully review, then submit in the application portal. Make sure you have added any additional documents in the right file type (e.g. .pdf, .jpg, etc.)

– Respond to all questions in English

For Further Queries: If you have a question you would like to ask, including admission queries, please use their official QA section on their website.

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