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Education

TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 2023 for Young Women worldwide

TechGirls is an international summer exchange program designed to empower and inspire young women from around the world to pursue careers in science and technology.

In 2023, the program 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 program (including pre- and post-exchange).

Eligible Countries

TechGirls participants are selected based on the eligibility requirements below. Independent selection committees composed of industry leaders and regional experts review applications. United States Embassy personnel in your country of permanent residence interview semifinalists.

TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 2023 Eligibility Requirements

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, and South Africa
      • East Asia and Pacific (EAP) – Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Vietnam
      • 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
      • Europe and Eurasia (EUR) – Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Turkey
      • United States of America
  • Are between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange July 8th, 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 program.

If you are a U.S. applicant please see the U.S.A. TechGirls page.

Please note that family members of U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff. U.S. Department of State employees, family members of the administering organization or partner organizations are not eligible to apply.

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

TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 2023 for Young Women worldwide Selection Timeline

The TechGirls application for 2023 will open on Monday, October 17 at 8:00 AM EDT. The application will then close on Friday, December 16 at 12:00 PM EST. Applicants will be notified of their status in March.

COVID-19 Contingencies

Legacy International is working closely with the U.S. Department of State, local and global health professionals to plan a program that adheres to the best public health practices. As the global health situation stabilizes, we hope to conduct the program in person in summer 2023.

Duration

The core of theTechGirls program is a 25-day experience in the United States in partnership with Virginia Tech University. Participants will engage in 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.

How to Apply for TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 2023

To begin the application, CLICK HERE