TechGirls 2026: Fully Funded U.S. STEM Summer Exchange for Girls (Ages 15–17) 

TechGirls 2026: Fully Funded U.S. STEM Summer Exchange for Girls (Ages 15–17): Overview

TechGirls is a fully funded U.S. government summer exchange program designed to inspire and prepare young women for future studies and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The program combines an intensive U.S.-based tech camp with long-term mentorship and community impact projects.

Eligibility

• Gender: Female

• Age: 15–17 years

• Citizenship: Applicants must be from one of the 37 eligible countries/territories, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Pakistan, Türkiye, Vietnam, Peru, and the USA (see full list below).

• Interest: Strong interest in STEM education and careers

• Availability: Must commit to the full program (U.S. exchange + 7-month mentorship)

Benefits

• Fully funded 23-day U.S. experience

• Travel to and within the United States

• Accommodation, meals, and program activities covered

• Participation in a hands-on tech camp at Virginia Tech University

• STEM career exposure in U.S. cities such as Austin, Seattle, Denver, Detroit, and more

• Access to a 7-month mentorship program (pre- and post-exchange)

Programme Components

• Interactive STEM Camp (Virginia Tech University): Practical training in cutting-edge technologies and exposure to STEM career paths

• Community Immersion: STEM exploration in U.S. cities with industry and community engagement

• Community-Based Projects: Participants return home to implement STEM projects with mentorship support

• Long-Term Impact: Over 44,000 people impacted by participant-led projects since 2012

Application Requirements

• Completed application form

• Personal essays or short responses

• Academic and extracurricular information

• Recommendation(s) (as specified during application)

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated passion for STEM

• Leadership potential and community involvement

• Commitment to mentoring and community service

• Strong motivation to pursue STEM education or careers

Application Process

• Apply through the official TechGirls application portal

• Competitive selection conducted by program partners and the U.S. Department of State

Important Dates

• Program Year: Summer 2026

• U.S. Experience: 23 days

• Mentorship Duration: 7 months (before and after the exchange)

• Application Deadline: To be announced

Eligible Countries (2026)

• Sub-Saharan Africa: Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia

• East Asia & Pacific: Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, Vietnam

• Europe & Eurasia: Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, Türkiye

• Middle East & North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia

• South & Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

• Western Hemisphere: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Suriname

• United States of America 

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the TechGirls 2026: Fully Funded U.S. STEM Summer Exchange for Girls (Ages 15–17)