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Applications are now open for the 2026 U.S. Department of State TechGirls Exchange Program. TechGirls is a U.S.-based summer exchange programe designed to expand the global talent pipeline in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The programe brings together young women aged 15–17 from the United States and select countries for hands-on learning, mentorship, and leadership development in technology and related STEM fields.
Programe Overview
In 2026, TechGirls will host:
* 111 international participants from 37 eligible countries and territories
* 13 U.S. peers
Participants take part in a three-week in-person programe in the United States, followed by a seven-month mentoring and community project phase, including pre- and post-exchange engagement.
Core Programe Experience
The heart of the TechGirls programe is a 23-day immersive experience in the United States:
1. Tech Camp at Virginia Tech
In partnership with Virginia Tech University, participants attend an interactive technology camp that explores:
* Cutting-edge technologies
* STEM education pathways
* Career opportunities in technology and innovation
2. Community Immersion & Career Exploration
Participants then travel to one U.S. city for community immersion and STEM job-shadowing experiences:
* Austin, Texas
* Cincinnati, Ohio
* Denver, Colorado
* Detroit, Michigan
* Kansas City, Missouri
* Seattle, Washington
3. Community-Based Projects
After returning home, participants implement community-based STEM projects with seven months of mentorship. Since 2012, these projects have impacted over 44,000 people worldwide.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Citizenship & Residency
Be a citizen and current resident of one of the 2026 participating countries or territories at the time of exchange:
- Sub-Saharan Africa (AF): Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia
- East Asia and Pacific (EAP): Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, Vietnam
- Europe and Eurasia (EUR): Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, Türkiye
- Middle East and North Africa (NEA): Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia
- South and Central Asia (SCA): Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
- Western Hemisphere (WHA): Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Suriname
- United States of America
Third-country nationals permanently residing in an eligible country should contact the programe to confirm eligibility before applying.
2. Age Requirement
- Be 15–17 years old at the start of the exchange on July 11, 2026
- Be born between July 12, 2008 and July 11, 2011
3. Academic & Personal Requirements
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate strong interest and advanced skills in STEM, especially technology
- Intend to pursue higher education and/or a career in STEM
- Have advanced-intermediate English proficiency
- Exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness
- Plan to attend at least one additional semester of secondary school after returning home
- Commit to completing a community-based project after the exchange
4. Additional Eligibility Notes
- Preference is given to applicants with limited or no prior experience in the United States
- Applicants are not eligible if they have participated in another U.S. Department of State (ECA) exchange programme in the past three years
- Applicants are not eligible if they are family members of:
- U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff
- U.S. Department of State employees
- Legacy International staff or partner organisations
- U.S. dual citizens living abroad are not eligible to travel on a J-1 visa through this programe
Covered Costs
The TechGirls programe covers all major expenses, including:
* Visa application fees (international participants)
* Round-trip international airfare to and from the United States
* Domestic U.S. flights (where applicable)
* Housing throughout the programe
* Double-occupancy dormitory accommodation at Virginia Tech
* Double-occupancy hotel accommodation in Washington, D.C.
* All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
* Local transportation for programe activities
* Educational and cultural programe costs
* Emergency health insurance
Programme Timeline
July 11, 2026: Arrival and orientation in Washington, D.C.
July 13–25, 2026: Tech camp at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
July 25–29, 2026: Community immersion and job-shadowing in selected U.S. cities
July 29 – August 1, 2026: Activities and meetings in Washington, D.C. Past visits include NASA, Capitol Hill, U.S. Department of State, and cultural events
August 2, 2026: Departure from Washington, D.C.
Important Notes
* Participants receive 24-hour supervision in a safe and secure environment
* The TechGirls team works closely with schools to manage potential academic calendar conflicts
* Students who meet all eligibility criteria are strongly encouraged to apply
Application Deadline: January 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM (Noon) EST
For more details, visit the official U.S. Department of State TechGirls Exchange Program webpage.