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).
About TechGirls
Since 2012, TechGirls has trained and mentored 528 teenage girls (ages 15-17). The program began supporting girls from the Middle East and North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, and Yemen). In 2019, the program expanded to include young women from Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan). In 2022, the program 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 ... continue reading
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TechGirls Summer Exchange Program for STEM Education
Aim and Benefits of TechGirls Summer Exchange Program for STEM Education
The TechGirls program covers the following costs:
- Visa fee for international participants
- Roundtrip international airfare from participant home country to the United States
- Roundtrip domestic airfare from participant home city (as applicable)
- Housing during program
- Double occupancy dormitory accommodations at Virginia Tech
- Double occupancy accommodations at hotel in Washington, D.C.
- Meals during program
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Local transportation to group program events
- All educational and cultural events
- Emergency health insurance
Requirements for TechGirls Summer Exchange Program for STEM Education Qualification
Students eligible to apply are those who:
- Are citizens of one of the 2026 participating countries/territories AND living in that country/territory at time of exchange:
- Sub-Saharan Africa (AF) – Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia
- East Asia and Pacific (EAP) – Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Vietnam
- Europe and Eurasia (EUR) – Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Tu?rkiye
- Middle East and North Africa (NEA) – Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia
- South and Central Asia (SCA) – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
- Western Hemisphere (WHA) – Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Suriname
- United States of America
- Are between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange on July 11, 2026
- Born on or between July 12, 2008 and July 11, 2011;
- 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;
- Eligible candidates must be citizens and current residents of 2026 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 traveled to the United States 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 or Consulate staff or U.S. Department of State employees. You cannot be a family member of a Legacy International staff member or any of our partner organizations.
- Americans who are dual citizens and living abroad are not eligible to travel to the US on the program or get a J-1 visa.
Interview date, Process and Venue for TechGirls Summer Exchange Program for STEM Education
All TechGirls participants are selected based on the eligibility requirements below. Independent selection committees composed of industry leaders and regional experts review applications.
- For international semi-finalists, U.S. embassy personnel in host country/territory of permanent residence conduct interviews.
- For U.S. semi-finalists, Legacy International conducts interviews.
2026 Program Flow*:
(*Please note that all dates are tentative)
- July 11, 2026: Arrivals and Orientation in Washington, D.C.
- International TechGirls travel with fellow TechGirls from their home country and a flight chaperone.
- July 13-25, 2026: Tech camp at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia
- July 25-29, 2026: Community Immersion and Job Shadow experience in one of the following cities:
- Austin, Texas
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Denver, Colorado
- Detroit, Michigan
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Seattle, Washington State
- July 29-August 1, 2026: Activities and meetings in Washington, D.C.
- Past activities include visits to NASA, Capitol Hill, sports games, the U.S. Department of State, and more.
- August 2, 2026: Departure from Washington, D.C.
Check also:
Tony Elumelu Foundation African Entrepreneurship Programme 2026
Application Deadline
January 20, 2026How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
TechGirls on techgirlsglobal.org to apply
For more details, visit TechGirls webpage
