Applications are open for the Fully Funded US Government TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 2026 for girls who are interested in the STEM field.Apply below:
When is the Application Deadline:
The application deadline for the Fully Funded US Government TechGirls Summer Exchange Program is 20th January 2026, at noon USA Eastern Standard Time
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Tell Me About The Fully Funded US Government TechGirls Summer Exchange Program:
TechGirls is a U.S.-based summer exchange program aimed at empowering young women (ages 15-17) from the U.S. and select countries to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). In 2026, the program will support 111 young women from 37 countries and 13 U.S. peers through a dynamic three-week experience followed by a seven-month mentoring program.
The program’s core is a 23-day U.S. experience, featuring an interactive tech camp in partnership with Virginia Tech. Participants will explore cutting-edge technologies and various STEM career paths. After the camp, TechGirls will engage in community immersion and STEM career exploration in cities like Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, or Seattle. The program also includes a multiplier effect, as participants return home to implement community-based projects supported by their seven months of mentorship.
Which Fields are Eligible?
STEM
Type:
Training
Who can Apply For The Fully Funded US Government TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 2025?
Students eligible to apply are those who:
- Are citizens of one of the 2026 participating 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) – 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 11, 2026
- Born on or between July 12, 2008 and July 11, 2011;
Also, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- 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 before 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.
How are Applicants Selected?
All TechGirls 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 the host country/territory of permanent residence conduct interviews.
- For U.S. semi-finalists, Legacy International conducts interviews.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
The following countries are eligible:
- Sub-Saharan Africa (AF) – Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia
- East Asia and the 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
Where will the Award be Taken?
USA
How Many Awards?
Not specified
What is the Benefit of the Award?
Additionally, the TechGirls program covers the following costs:
- Visa fee for international participants
- Roundtrip international airfare from the participant’s home country to the United States
- Roundtrip domestic airfare from the participant’s home city (as applicable)
- Housing during program
- Double occupancy dormitory accommodations at Virginia Tech
- Double occupancy accommodations at a 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
How Long Will the Award Last?
About 1 month
2026 Program Flow*:
(*Please note that all dates are tentative)
- July 11, 2026: Arrivals and Orientation in Washington, D.C.
- International TechGirls travel with fellow TechGirls from their home country and a flight chaperone.
- July 13-25, 2026: Tech camp at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia
- July 25-29, 2026: Community Immersion and Job Shadow experience in one of the following cities:
- Austin, Texas
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Denver, Colorado
- Detroit, Michigan
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Seattle, Washington State
- July 29-August 1, 2026: Activities and meetings in Washington, D.C.
- Past activities include visits to NASA, Capitol Hill, sports games, the U.S. Department of State, and more.
- August 2, 2026: Departure from Washington, D.C
How to Apply:
To apply, click this link.
