The U.S. Department of State is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 TechGirls Exchange Program, a prestigious summer exchange program designed to empower the next generation of young women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This fully-funded international program will bring together outstanding young women aged 15-17 from 37 participating countries across six regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere, along with peers from the United States.
The 2026 program will take place from July 11 to August 2, 2026, beginning with arrival and orientation in Washington, D.C., followed by an intensive 12-day tech camp at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia. Participants will then travel to one of six U.S. cities Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, or Seattle for community immersion and STEM career exploration, before returning to Washington, D.C. for visits to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and a capstone event. Throughout this transformative 23-day experience, TechGirls will engage in hands-on training in cutting-edge technologies including Java programming, web development, cybersecurity, data science, machine learning, robotics, civil and environmental engineering, graphic design, molecular modeling, and electrical engineering. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with leadership development, cultural exchange, and networking opportunities with American technology experts.
Beyond the summer experience, participants join a seven-month mentorship program that includes pre-departure preparation and post-program support. A cornerstone of the TechGirls experience is the community-based project that each participant implements upon returning home, applying their newfound skills to address local challenges and inspire other young women in their communities. Since 2012, these projects have reached an estimated 44,000 people worldwide, creating a powerful multiplier effect. All program expenses are covered by the U.S. Department of State, including international airfare, visa fees, accommodation, meals, health insurance, and local transportation. Finalists will be notified in April 2026.
This life-changing opportunity is open to young women who demonstrate strong academic performance, advanced English language skills, and a serious commitment to pursuing STEM education and careers. The program particularly encourages applications from students with diverse backgrounds and those who have limited or no prior experience in the United States, fostering the next generation of global women leaders in technology and innovation.
Program Overview
The TechGirls program is a three-week U.S.-based experience, followed by a seven-month mentoring program, offering 111 young women from 37 eligible countries/territories and 13 U.S. peers a unique opportunity to:
- Engage in an interactive tech camp at Virginia Tech University
- Explore cutting-edge technologies and STEM career paths
- Participate in community immersion and STEM career exploration in a U.S. city
- Conduct community-based projects with mentorship support
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be citizens of one of the 2026 participating countries/territories and living in that country/territory at the time of exchange
- Be between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange (July 11, 2026)
- Demonstrate advanced skills and interest in STEM
- Have strong English language skills
- Exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness
Participating Countries/Territories
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia
- East Asia and Pacific: Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Vietnam
- Europe and Eurasia: Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Türkiye
- Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia
- South and Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
- Western Hemisphere: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Suriname
- United States of America
Covered Costs
The TechGirls program covers:
- Visa fee
- Roundtrip international airfare
- Housing and meals during the program
- Local transportation and educational events
- Emergency health insurance
Program Dates
- July 11, 2026: Arrivals and Orientation in Washington, D.C.
- July 13-25, 2026: Tech camp at Virginia Tech
- July 25-29, 2026: Community Immersion and Job Shadow experience
- July 29-August 1, 2026: Activities and meetings in Washington, D.C.
- August 2, 2026: Departure from Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline
January 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM/Noon EST
How to Apply
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