U.S. Department of State TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 2025

Deadline: December 6, 2024

The U.S. Department of State TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 2025 is a fully funded opportunity designed to inspire and empower the next generation of young women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This program brings together high school-aged girls from across the globe to participate in a dynamic summer experience in the United States. It is a platform for fostering leadership, innovation, and technical skills among young women interested in pursuing STEM careers. Through hands-on learning, cultural exchange, and mentorship, TechGirls aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in the fast-evolving tech world.

Benefits

The TechGirls Summer Exchange Program provides a wide range of benefits to its participants, including:

• Fully Funded Experience: The program covers all costs, including round-trip airfare to the United States, accommodation, meals, and program-related activities.
• STEM Workshops and Training: Participants engage in intensive technology and coding workshops hosted by top U.S. universities and tech companies. These sessions focus on practical skills and real-world applications in fields such as programming, cybersecurity, and web development.
• Cultural Exchange: TechGirls fosters cross-cultural understanding by allowing participants to interact with peers from different countries, experience American culture, and engage in community service activities.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Participants receive mentorship from accomplished women in STEM fields, offering guidance on career paths and personal development.
• Leadership Development: The program includes leadership workshops that equip participants with the confidence, skills, and mindset to become change-makers in their communities and role models for other young women in STEM.

SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz beVisioneers Fellowship 2025

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the U.S. Department of State TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Students eligible to apply 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 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

• Are between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange on July 12, 2025
  • Born on or between July 13, 2007 and July 12, 2010;
• 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
• 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.
• 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.

TechGirls encourages people with diverse backgrounds and skills to apply, including individuals with disabilities.

Application Process and Required Documents

To apply for the TechGirls Summer Exchange Program, follow these steps:

1. Online Application: Complete the online application form available on the U.S. Department of State TechGirls website.
2. Personal Statement: Submit a personal statement outlining your interest in STEM, how the program will benefit your future, and how you plan to use the skills you learn to impact your community.
3. Academic Records: Provide your school transcripts or academic records showing your performance in STEM-related subjects.
4. Recommendation Letter: Include a recommendation letter from a teacher, mentor, or school official who can speak to your academic performance and passion for STEM.
5. Additional Materials: Some applicants may be required to submit additional materials, such as examples of STEM-related projects or extracurricular activities.

Deadline: Submit your application by 6th December 2024.

To Apply: Click here
Official Website: Click here