2026 TechGirls Summer Exchange Program in The United States (Fully Funded)

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).

The TechGirls program engages a talented cadre of STEM-minded young women from the United States and select countries in all six regions of the world (Western Hemisphere, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Eurasia, East Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, and South and Central Asia).

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 program ends in Washington DC. The TechGirls programming yields a multiplier effect as participants return home to conduct community-based projects with seven months of mentorship.

TechGirls U.S.-Based Summer Exchange Program Benefits

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 U.S.-Based Summer Exchange Program

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;

Selection Process

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.