TechGirls Program to empower and support Young Women

In 2024, the program will support 111 young women from 37 participating countries/territories and 13+ U.S. peers in a dynamic four-week U.S.-based experience with a seven-month mentoring program (including pre-and post-exchange).

Covered Costs

• 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
  • Cultural events organized by Legacy International
  • Emergency health insurance

Geography Focus

• 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 Türkiye
• 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

Eligibility Criteria

• Students eligible to apply are those who:
  • 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 them 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.
• Note: 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