Applications are open for the TechGirls Program 2023. The TechGirls is an international summer exchange programme designed to empower and inspire young women from around the world to pursue careers in science and technology.

In 2023, the programme will support 111 young women from 35 participating countries/territories and 15 U.S. peers in a dynamic four week U.S.- based experience with a 7-month mentoring programme (including pre- and post-exchange).

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Programme Details

Since 2012, TechGirls has trained and mentored 528 teenage girls (ages 15-17). The programme began supporting girls from the Middle East and North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, and Yemen). In 2019, the programme expanded to include young women from Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan). In 2022, the programme 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 TechGirls programme is a 25-day experience in the United States in partnership with Virginia Tech University. Participants will engage in an interactive technology and computer camp, then travel to one of the following cities (Austin, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, or Seattle) for community and career exploration. The TechGirls programming yields a multiplier effect as participants return home to conduct community based projects with 7 months of mentorship.

Cost of TechGirls Program

The TechGirls programme covers the following costs:

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

Eligibility for TechGirls Program

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.
• Are between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange July 8, 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 programme.

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

Application of TechGirls Program

The application will then close on Friday, December 16 at 12:00 PM EST. Applicants will be notified of their status in March.

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Lastly, It is important to visit the official website link found below to access the application form.

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