Call for TechGirls Exchange Program 2025 is open now!!!
TechGirls is a U.S.-based summer exchange program designed to expand the talent pipeline in STEM. Young women (ages 15-17) from the United States and select countries gain valuable hands-on training leading them to pursue higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. In 2026, the program will include 111 young women from 37 eligible countries/territories and 13 U.S. peers in a dynamic three-week U.S.-based experience with a seven-month mentoring program (including pre-and post-exchange).
Get the Youth Opportunities iOS App here for the fully-funded opportunities.
The core of the TechGirls program is a 23-day experience in the United States. In partnership with Virginia Tech University, participants engage in an interactive tech camp that provides an in-depth examination of cutting-edge technologies and various educational and professional paths in STEM fields. Then, TechGirls travel to a city around the USA (Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, or Seattle) for community immersion and STEM career exploration. The TechGirls programming yields a multiplier effect as participants return home to conduct community-based projects with seven months of mentorship.
Since 2012, TechGirls has trained and mentored 901 teenage girls. Between 2012 and 2018 TechGirls prepared future scientists, engineers and tech leaders from the Middle East and North Africa. They are now creating jobs and excelling in their careers. In 2019, the program expanded to include young women from Central Asia. In 2022, the program underwent a global expansion, shaping the lives of young innovators in all six world regions (Western Hemisphere, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Eurasia, East Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, and South and Central Asia).
Youth Opportunities invites you to join your preferred channel to get the latest updates directly to your messenger inbox.
- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) programs increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational, professional, and cultural exchanges, supporting the development and sustainment of peaceful relations. Exchange programs strengthen the national security of the United States through improved foreign relations, support U.S. international leadership, and provide a broad range of domestic benefits by helping break down barriers that often divide us and by investing in American communities and organizations.
This exchange of expertise, culture, language, and sport results in better outcomes for American communities and for foreign exchange participants in their communities abroad. For example, exchange programs increase skillsets in sectors like technology, facilitate international collaboration with like-minded partners on cybersecurity, and represent a significant investment in American individuals and communities. ECA exchanges cultivate lasting international relationships, helping secure our nation today and building foundations of peace and prosperity for tomorrow.
Building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America and world starts with individuals. ECA exchanges cross numerous sectors and industries important to American culture and values and engage rising leaders in the United States and around the globe, from high school students to doctoral researchers, professional artists and athletes and beyond.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
- All major program costs are covered, including round-trip international airfare, U.S. domestic travel, visa fees, ground transportation, lodging, meals, and emergency medical insurance for the entire three-week U.S. exchange.
- Participation in an interactive Tech Camp at Virginia Tech University focusing on hands-on training in cutting-edge technologies and STEM fields.
- Opportunities for cultural exchange, community service, and job shadowing in one of the U.S. host cities (Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, or Seattle).
- Workshops on leadership, action planning, public speaking, and project management to build confidence and prepare for future STEM careers.
- Participation in a seven-month online mentorship program (pre- and post-exchange) with accomplished U.S. mentors to guide the development and implementation of community-based projects.
- A graduation ceremony at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., and official certification upon successful completion of the program.
- The opportunity to design and implement a community-based project in their home country, creating a positive multiplier effect in their local community.
Eligibilities
- Must be female and a citizen and current resident of one of the eligible participating countries.
- Must be 15 to 17 years old at the start of the exchange on July 11, 2026 (born on or between July 12, 2008, and July 11, 2011).
- Must have demonstrated advanced skills and a serious interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Math (STEM).
- Must intend to pursue higher education and/or careers in STEM, especially technology.
- Must have strong English language skills (advanced intermediate skills).
- Must be committed to completing a community-based project upon returning home.
- Must attend at least one additional semester of secondary school after returning to their home country.
- Must meet the requirements for a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa.
- Preference is given to those with limited or no prior experience in the U.S.
- Not eligible if you have traveled to the U.S. in the last three years as part of any other ECA exchange program.
- Not eligible if you are a family member of U.S. Embassy/Consulate staff, U.S. Department of State employees, or Legacy International staff.
- Prohibited from using any Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool (e.g., ChatGPT) to aid in written application responses.
Application Process
- Before applying, confirm you meet all age, citizenship and academic interest requirements on the official website.
- Complete all answers in English.
- For essay questions, they recommend you write them in a Word Document first and then paste them into the online form.
- You can save your progress and return to the form by clicking the Save & Return button located at the top and bottom right side of the application. You can save progress as much as you wish until you are ready for final submission.
- For Uploads :
- Please upload a photo/headshot of yourself that is clear and without filters.
- Please upload your most recent academic transcript (a copy of your grades provided by your school). They accept transcripts in your native language. It does NOT need to be in English
Application Deadline: January 20, 2026 (7 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
