US Government 2025 TechGirls Summer Exchange Program

TechGirls is a U.S.-based summer exchange program designed to empower and support young women (ages 15-17) from the United States and select countries around the world to pursue higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields through hands-on skills development training.

The core of the TechGirls program is a 23-day experience in the United States. In partnership with Virginia Tech, 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.

Benefits of US Government TechGirls Summer Exchange Program

The TechGirls Summer Exchange Program covers the following costs:

Visa fee for international participants

Round-trip international airfare from participant home country to the United States

Round-trip 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

Cultural events organized by Legacy International

Emergency health insurance

Requirements for US Government TechGirls Summer Exchange Program

Students eligible to apply for the TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 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, 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) – Brazil, 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 13, 2024

Born on or between July 13, 2006, and July 13, 2009.

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 a 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.

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.

 Selection Process

All TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 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.

Application Deadline

December 6, 2024

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to United States Department of State (DOS) on legacyintlleaders.org to apply