Deadline: February 1, 2019.

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.

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.

 

ELIGIBILITY

Students eligible to apply are those who:

• Are 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 travelled 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 or U.S. Department of State employees are not eligible to apply.

TechGirls encourages people with diverse backgrounds and skills to apply, including individuals with disabilities.

 

BENEFITS

The TechGirls program covers the following costs:

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

 

OFFICIAL LINK

 

2019 TechGirls