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.

Since 2012, TechGirls trained and mentored 186 teenage girls (ages 15-17) from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, and Yemen.  The core of the program is a three-week experience in the United States.  In 2019, the program expands to include 24 young women from Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.) TechGirls participate in an interactive technology and computer camp (with US Girls), join a tech company for a day of job shadowing and participate in community service initiatives. There is a TechGirls multiplier effect – inspiring others in their local community to pursue Stem.

TechGirls is packed with skill-development workshops and interactions with America’s most innovative tech professionals as well as 45 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 under-represented.

TechGirls is an initiative of the U.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.  The program is administered by Legacy International.

Benefits

The TechGirls program covers the following costs:

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

Eligibility

• Open to students from one of the following eligible countries:
  • United States
  • Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia;
  • Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
• Are between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange;
• Have demonstrated advanced skills and a serious interest in technology, engineering, and/or math in their academic studies;
• Intend to pursue higher education and/or careers in technology;
• Have strong English language skills;
• Exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness;
• Will attend at least one additional semester of secondary school upon their return to their home country; and
• Are committed to completing a community-based project upon their return home;
• 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.