The US Government TechGirls Summer Exchange Program is a fully funded 24-day STEM training and mentorship initiative in the United States for young women aged 15-17 from 40 eligible countries (including the USA and Nigeria). Sponsored by the US Department of State, the program covers all expenses, including international airfare, accommodation, visa fees, and living stipends. Participants engage in a TechCamp at Virginia Tech, explore STEM careers across US cities, and complete community-based projects with seven months of mentorship upon return. The deadline for the 2026 program is January 20, 2026.
TechGirls Summer Exchange Program Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United States of America (USA) |
| Sponsor | US Department of State |
| Category | Training |
| Eligible Countries | 40 Countries (Regions include Sub-Saharan Africa, MENA, Europe, etc.) |
| Target Group | Young Women (Ages 15-17) interested in STEM |
| Reward | Full Sponsorship (All Costs Covered) |
| Program Duration | 24 Days in the US |
| Deadline | January 20, 2026 |
| IELTS Requirement | No IELTS Required |
TechGirls Summer Exchange Program
The TechGirls Summer Exchange Program is a US-based summer initiative dedicated to empowering young women (ages 15-17) globally to pursue higher education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Since 2012, the program has trained and mentored hundreds of teenage girls, expanding globally in 2022 to include participants from 40 countries across all six world regions.
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The core of the program is a 24-day intensive experience in the United States, structured as follows:
- TechCamp at Virginia Tech: Participants engage in an interactive TechCamp, offering an in-depth examination of cutting-edge technologies and various educational/professional pathways in STEM fields.
- Community Immersion: TechGirls travel to various cities across the USA (such as Austin, Chicago, or Seattle) for community immersion and hands-on STEM career exploration.
- Mentorship & Projects: Participants return home committed to conducting community-based projects, supported by seven months of mentorship to ensure a lasting “multiplier effect” in their home communities.
Awards and Opportunities
The US Government TechGirls Program is fully funded, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent high-potential young women from participating.
Tier 1: Full Financial Coverage (Travel and Accommodation)
All costs associated with travel and living in the United States during the 24-day program are covered by the US Department of State:
- Roundtrip International Airfare: Covered from the participant’s home country to the United States.
- Roundtrip Domestic Airfare: Covered from the participant’s home city to the international departure point (as applicable).
- Housing: Includes double occupancy dormitory accommodations at Virginia Tech and double occupancy hotel accommodations in Washington, D.C.
- Local Transportation: Provided for all group program events.
Tier 2: Living Costs and Essential Support
The program covers all daily maintenance and logistical costs for international participants:
- Visa Fee: The cost of the J-1 visa for international participants is covered.
- Meals: Comprehensive coverage for all meals (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the program.
- Emergency Health Insurance: Provided to all participants for the duration of the exchange.
- Cultural Events: Fully funded cultural events organized by Legacy International.
Tier 3: Training, Mentorship, and Leadership
The core value of the program lies in the skill development and long-term mentorship provided:
- Hands-on Skills Development: Intensive training in cutting-edge technologies and STEM concepts.
- Community Project Mentorship: Seven months of dedicated mentorship to support participants in implementing their community-based projects upon returning home.
- Career Exploration: Exposure to various educational and professional paths in STEM, including visits to US cities for career exploration.
Eligibility Requirements for US Government TechGirls Program 2026
Students eligible to apply for the TechGirls Summer Exchange Program must meet all the following criteria:
- Age: Must be between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange on July 11, 2026 (Born on or between July 13, 2007, and July 13, 2010).
- Citizenship & Residence: Must be citizens and current residents of one of the 40 eligible countries/territories listed below at the 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 (USA).
- Academic Interest: Demonstrated advanced skills and a serious interest in science, technology, engineering, and/or math in their academic studies.
- Future Intention: Intend to pursue higher education and/or careers in STEM, especially technology.
- Language Skills: Have strong English language skills (advanced intermediate level).
- Post-Exchange Commitment: Will attend at least one additional semester of secondary school upon their return, and are committed to completing a community-based project.
- Visa Requirements: Must meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (U.S. citizens are not eligible for a J-1 visa).
- Prior Experience: Preference is given to those who have limited or no prior experience in the United States, and applicants are ineligible if they have traveled to the US in the last three years as part of any other ECA exchange program.
How To Apply for 2026 TechGirls Summer Exchange Program (Step by Step)
The application process is handled through the official program portal, and selection involves multiple stages.
- Access Application Portal: Click the provided button below to go to the official TechGirls application page.
- Complete Online Application: Fill out the required details thoroughly, showcasing your interest, skills, and academic achievements in STEM.
- Review and Submit: Review your application before the deadline and submit it.
- Selection Process: Applications are reviewed by independent selection committees. International semi-finalists are interviewed by U.S. embassy personnel, while U.S. semi-finalists are interviewed by Legacy International.
Application Open: December 11, 2025 (8:00 AM EST) Application Deadline: January 20, 2026 (12:00 PM/Noon EST)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the total duration of the TechGirls Summer Exchange Program?
The core of the program is a 24-day experience in the United States, followed by seven months of remote mentorship.
2. Is the TechGirls program fully funded, and what does the funding cover?
Yes, the program is fully funded by the US Department of State, covering all costs, including international airfare, accommodation, visa fees, meals, local transportation, and emergency health insurance.
3. What are the eligible ages for young women applying for the program?
Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange on July 11, 2026.
4. Is the program limited to girls from specific developing regions?
No, the program has expanded globally and is open to citizens of 40 eligible countries across all six world regions, including the United States.
5. What are the key academic areas of focus during the exchange?
The program focuses on empowering participants in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields through hands-on skills development training.
6. Where does the main technical training component of the program take place?
The core training, known as the TechCamp, takes place in partnership with Virginia Tech.
7. What is required of participants after they return to their home country?
Participants are required to attend at least one additional semester of secondary school and be committed to completing a community-based project with seven months of mentorship support.
8. Is English language fluency a strict requirement for application?
Applicants must demonstrate strong English language skills (advanced intermediate English skills), though formal IELTS or similar tests are not required.
9. What is the deadline for submitting the application for the 2026 program?
The application deadline is January 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM/Noon EST.
10. Does prior travel to the US disqualify an applicant?
Preference is given to those with limited or no prior US experience. Applicants are ineligible if they have traveled to the United States in the last three years as part of any other ECA exchange program.
