TechGirls 2026 offers young women aged 15-17 a fully funded summer exchange in the USA to build STEM skills and leadership. Applications open December 11, 2025, targeting girls from 37 countries passionate about technology and engineering.
Basic Information about the TechGirls Scholarship
- TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 2026 is a U.S. Department of State initiative empowering 111 young women from 37 countries/territories, plus 13 U.S. peers in STEM careers.
- The program runs as a 23-day intensive experience starting July 11, 2026, including a tech camp, job shadowing, and cultural immersion.
- Application window: Opens December 11, 2025, at 8:00 AM EST; closes January 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM Noon EST, with only the first 125 complete applications per country considered.
- Organized by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, it features hands-on STEM training at Virginia Tech University, followed by city visits.
- Participants commit to a seven-month mentoring phase for community projects impacting over 44,000 people since 2012.
- Fully funded scholarship covers all core exchange costs, emphasizing that no prior U.S. experienceis preferred for international applicants.
- Selection involves technical screening, committee review, and embassy/Legacy International interviews for semi-finalists.
- TechGirls 2026 keywords: STEM exchange program USA, fully funded TechGirls scholarship 2026, young women technology leadership.
University/Institution Details
- Primary host: Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia, for an interactive tech camp on cutting-edge STEM topics.
- Program partner: Legacy International manages logistics, interviews, and post-exchange mentoring.
- Job shadowing cities: Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, or Seattle at tech companies with homestays.
- Capstone ends in Washington, D.C., with U.S. Department of State events.
- Virginia Tech provides workshops in advanced tech like AI and cybersecurity during the core camp phase.
- U.S. embassies in participating countries handle semi-finalist interviews.
Study Areas and Available Programs
- Basic Coding and Data Science: Command Line, Bash, Python, JavaScript for foundational programming.
- Web Development: Building interactive websites and applications.
- Civil and Environmental Engineering: Sustainable design and infrastructure projects.
- Graphic Design: Digital tools for visual communication in tech.
- Data Science and Visualization: Analyzing datasets with tools for insights.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting systems from digital threats.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools: Practical applications in real-world scenarios.
- Machine Learning: Algorithms for predictive modeling.
- Molecular Modeling and Informatics: Biotech simulations.
- Electrical Engineering/Microprocessors: Hardware fundamentals and circuits.
- Leadership and networking sessions are integrated throughout for STEM career paths.
- Community immersion projects addressing real-world challenges.
TechGirls Summer Exchange Program Benefits
- Round-trip International Airfare
- Accommodation
- Visa Fees
- Housing for program duration
- Health insurance
- Transportation
- Meals include Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- Cultural events, job shadowing, homestays, and community service.
- Seven-month pre- and post-exchange mentoring for home projects.
- Access to STEM professionals and a global peer network.
Benefits Not Included
- Personal spending money for souvenirs or extras beyond program meals.
- Pre- or post-program travel within the USA.
- Costs for a passport if not already held.
- Any family travel or accompanying persons.
- Extended stays beyond the 23-day schedule.
- Personal electronics or supplies beyond the provided camp materials.
Eligibility Criteria for TechGirls Summer Exchange Program
- Citizen and resident of a participating country/territory (or USA)
- Age 15–17 on July 11, 2026
- Born between July 12, 2008, and July 11, 2011
- Strong interest and advanced skills in STEM (especially technology)
- Plans to pursue STEM education or a career
- Advanced-intermediate English skills
- Mature, flexible, and open-minded
- Will return to at least one more semester of secondary school
- Committed to completing a community project after the program
- Preference for applicants with little or no prior U.S. experience
- Not eligible if traveled to the U.S. on an ECA exchange in the last 3 years
- Not eligible if related to U.S. Embassy, State Department, or program staff
- Dual-citizen Americans living abroad are not eligible
Participating Regions & Countries:
- Sub-Saharan Africa (AF): Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia
- East Asia & Pacific (EAP): Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, Vietnam
- Europe & Eurasia (EUR): Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, Türkiye
- Middle East & North Africa (NEA): Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia
- South & Central Asia (SCA): Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
- Western Hemisphere (WHA): Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Suriname
- United States of America
✔️ Both citizenship and current residence must match one of the listed countries/territories.
Use of AI (Very Important)
- All answers must be 100% your own work
- No AI tools (including ChatGPT) allowed
- No copying from websites, blogs, or other applications
- Use of AI or plagiarism will result in disqualification
Selection Process
- Applications reviewed by independent experts and industry leaders
- International semi-finalists interviewed by U.S. Embassy staff
- U.S. semi-finalists interviewed by Legacy International
Required Documents for Application
- Online registration on the TechGirls Portal at techgirlsglobal.org.
- Portrait photograph (headshot, .jpg/.png, ≤2MB).
- Academic transcript/report (English preferred, PDF).
- Passport copy if available.
- All essay responses in English, original content.
- Proof of STEM interest via academics/projects.
TechGirls Summer Exchange Program Application Process Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Confirm eligibility on techgirlsglobal.org/apply/eligibility-and-application-2/.
- Step 2: Register on the TechGirls Portal before December 11, 2025, 8:00 AM EST.
- Step 3: Complete online application with essays, no AI use, submit by January 20, 2026, 12:00 PM EST (first 125/country).
- Step 4: Technical screening for completeness/eligibility.
- Step 5: Review by 3+ committee members (industry/regional experts).
- Step 6: Semi-finalist interviews by U.S. embassy (international) or Legacy (U.S.).
- Step 7: Final selection notification in March 2026.
- Step 8: Visa/prep with support if selected.
Tips for Successful TechGirls Application
- Apply early: First 125/country only, beat the rush.
- Showcase STEM passion: Quantify projects (e.g., trained X girls in coding).
- Write original essays: No AI, plagiarism checks are strict; copy questions to draft.
- Highlight leadership/community: Detail maturity, flexibility, post-program plans.
- Strong English: Practice advanced intermediate responses.
- STEM evidence: Include transcripts, personal projects.
- Read instructions fully: Save drafts, meet all criteria.
- Tailor to goals: Link experiences to STEM career aspirations.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in the USA (USD)
- TechGirls covers program housing/meals/transport, but personal extras align with these USA student costs.
- Big cities like program sites raise totals to $2,500+.
Why Choose TechGirls Scholarship 2026? (7 Reasons)
- Fully funded STEM immersion builds hands-on skills in AI, coding, and cybersecurity at Virginia Tech.
- Global network: Connect with 111 peers from 37 countries for lifelong STEM support.
- Career boost: Job shadowing in Austin/Seattle, etc., with professional mentors.
- Leadership growth: Seven-month mentoring for impactful home projects.
- Cultural exchange: Homestays, D.C. capstone foster maturity/flexibility.
- No financial burden: Covers flights, visa, meals—focus on learning.
- Multiplier impact: Implement projects reaching thousands, like 44,000+ alumnae.
Frequently Asked Questions about TechGirls 2026
- Is Bangladesh eligible? No, check 37 listed countries; contact the embassy for updates.
- Can U.S. citizens apply? Yes, as residents.
- What if no passport? Apply anyway; support provided if selected.
- English test required? No formal test; demonstrate in application.
- Post-program obligations? Complete community project with mentoring.
- AI use allowed? Strictly prohibited; original work only.
- Selection timeline? Notifications March 2026.
- Disabilities welcome? Yes, diverse backgrounds encouraged.
Application Timeline
- Opens: December 11, 2025, at 8:00 AM (EST)
- Closes: January 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Noon) (EST)
- Only the first 125 complete applications per country/territory will be considered
- Apply early — no late submissions or exceptions
