The TechGirls Summer Exchange Program is a U.S.-based initiative aimed at empowering young women (ages 15-17) from around the world. It encourages them to pursue higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through practical skills training.
The TechGirls Program is fully funded by the U.S. Government, covering all expenses including travel, accommodation, living stipends, visa fees, meals, and healthcare.
This post offers clear and simple information about this opportunity for all interested and qualified candidates.
Scholarship Details
Since 2012, the TechGirls Summer Exchange Program has trained and mentored 653 teenage girls. The program initially focused on countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
In the summer of 2022, TechGirls expanded globally, bringing together talented young women interested in STEM from the United States and selected countries across all six regions of the world: Western Hemisphere, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Eurasia, East Asia and Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, and South and Central Asia.
The heart of the TechGirls program is a 24-day experience in the United States. In partnership with Virginia Tech, participants take part in an interactive TechCamp that explores advanced technologies and various educational and career paths in STEM fields.
Afterward, TechGirls visit a city in the U.S. (such as Austin, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, or Seattle) for community engagement and STEM career exploration. The program has a lasting impact, as participants return home to implement community projects with seven months of mentorship.
US Government TechGirls Program 2025 Requirements
The TechGirls Summer Exchange Program is an exciting opportunity for young women interested in STEM fields. Here’s a simple overview of the eligibility requirements for the 2025 program:
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the TechGirls Program, students must meet the following criteria:
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Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of one of the eligible countries or territories and must be living there at the time of the exchange. The eligible regions include:
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia
- East Asia and Pacific: Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Vietnam
- Europe and Eurasia: Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Turkey
- Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia
- South and Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
- Western Hemisphere: Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Suriname
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Age: Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange on July 13, 2024. This means they should be born between July 13, 2006, and July 13, 2009.
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Interest and Skills: Candidates should show advanced skills and a strong interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). They should plan to pursue higher education or careers in these fields, particularly in technology.
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Language Skills: Strong English language skills are required, ideally at an advanced intermediate level.
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Personal Qualities: Applicants should demonstrate maturity, flexibility, and an open-minded attitude.
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School Commitment: Students must plan to attend at least one additional semester of secondary school after returning to their home country.
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Community Project: Participants are expected to complete a community-based project when they return home.
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Visa Eligibility: Applicants must meet U.S. J-1 visa requirements. Note that U.S. citizens cannot apply for this visa.
Additional Information
- Eligible candidates must be citizens and current residents of the participating countries. Those from third countries living in an eligible country should contact the program to check their eligibility before applying.
- Preference is given to applicants with limited or no prior experience in the United States. If you have participated in any other ECA exchange program in the last three years, you are not eligible.
- Family members of U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff, U.S. Department of State employees, and family of the administering organization or partner organizations cannot apply.
Encouragement for Diverse Applicants
The TechGirls Program welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills, including those with disabilities. This commitment to inclusion ensures a rich and varied experience for all participants.
Personal Experience
Having participated in similar programs, I can say that these opportunities not only enhance your skills but also broaden your perspective. Engaging with peers from different cultures and backgrounds can be incredibly enriching. If you meet the requirements and have a passion for STEM, I encourage you to apply. This program could be a fantastic stepping stone towards your future in technology and science. Good luck!
TechGirls Summer Exchange Program Benefits 2025
The TechGirls Summer Exchange Program offers several valuable benefits for participants, covering the following expenses:
Program Benefits
- Visa Fees: Covers the visa fee for international participants.
- Airfare: Includes roundtrip international flights from the participant’s home country to the United States, as well as domestic flights from the participant’s home city when applicable.
- Accommodation: Provides housing during the program, which includes:
- Double occupancy dormitory rooms at Virginia Tech.
- Double occupancy hotel accommodations in Washington, D.C.
- Meals: Participants receive meals throughout the program, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Local Transportation: Covers transportation to group events and activities.
- Cultural Events: Organized cultural experiences by Legacy International.
- Emergency Health Insurance: Participants are provided with emergency health insurance for the duration of the program.
Selection Process
Participants in the TechGirls Summer Exchange Program are chosen based on specific eligibility criteria. An independent selection committee made up of industry leaders and regional experts reviews all applications.
- For international semi-finalists, U.S. embassy staff in the participant’s host country or area conduct interviews.
- For U.S. semi-finalists, interviews are conducted by Legacy International.
This comprehensive support system ensures that participants have a rewarding experience during the program.
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How to Apply for the 2025 TechGirls Summer Exchange Program
If you are interested and meet the qualifications for the TechGirls Summer Exchange Program, you can apply using the link below.
The application for the 2025 TechGirls program is now open and will close on December 6, at 12:00 PM ET. All applicants will be informed about their application status in March 2025.