2024 Program Flow
These plans are subject to adjustment pending review with partners. Dates may shift one week earlier.

The TechGirls team is aware that for some countries there may be academic calendar conflicts with the summer TechGirls program schedule. The TechGirls team, Department of State and U.S. Embassies are committed to providing support in coordinating with school officials to enable participation and we encourage girls from all eligible countries to apply.

July 13, 2024: Arrivals and Orientation in Washington, D.C.

July 14-26, 2024: Technology and leadership training at Virginia Tech , Blacksburg Virginia.

July 27-31, 2024: Community Immersion and Job Shadow experiences in one of the following cities (Austin, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, and Seattle).

August 1-4 , 2024: Washington D.C.- Visits to NASA, Capitol Hill and capstone events.

August 5, 2024: Departure from Washington, D.C.

Community Immersion and Job Shadow Experience
While in the U.S., participants will spend three days with an American host family that has been carefully vetted through extensive background checks. The host family visit will be a fun opportunity for TechGirls to experience the daily life of an American family firsthand and engage in cultural activities. Participants will be paired up with another TechGirl for this experience, which they will share together. During the program we have arranged an opportunity for participants to “give back” by participating in a service project in the host community. Working with various organizations to address local concerns may give you ideas for when you return home.

Back at Home (August-January)
Community action plans: During the program, each TechGirl develops an action plan for a community-based project to transfer skills and knowledge back home. Projects have included – starting a Tech Club at school, offering training to classmates, helping local business by designing a website, creating an on-line dialogue forum with friends, blogging, and organizing tech career fairs at their school.

Students eligible to apply are those who:

1 - 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, and South Africa
East Asia and Pacific (EAP) – Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Vietnam
Middle East and North Africa (NEA) – Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia
South and Central Asia (SCA) – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
Western Hemisphere (WHA) – Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Suriname
Europe and Eurasia (EUR) – Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Turkey
United States of America
2 - Are between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange on July 6, 2024 (Born on or between July 13, 2006 and July 13, 2009);
3 - Have demonstrated advanced skills and a serious interest in science, technology, engineering, and/or math in their academic studies;
4 - Intend to pursue higher education and/or careers in STEM, especially technology;
5 - Have strong English language skills (advanced intermediate English skills);
6 - Exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness;
7 - Will attend at least one additional semester of secondary school upon their return to their home country;
8 - Are committed to completing a community-based project upon their return home; and
9 - Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for 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 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.
Please note that 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.