The Tech Girls Exchange Program 2026, a premier fully funded USA STEM initiative, empowers young women aged 15–17 from 37 countries and 13+ U.S. peers to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through a dynamic international STEM summer program. this 23-day U.S. journey, followed by a seven-month mentorship, is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, administered by Legacy International in partnership with Virginia Tech. Since 2012, Tech Girls has uplifted 764 young women, fostering global STEM visionaries who tackle issues like AI ethics, climate technology, and digital inclusion across Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
The program’s core is an interactive tech camp at Virginia Tech, delivering 38+ hours of STEM training in coding, robotics, cybersecurity, and data science, guided by industry experts from partners like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, and NASA. Participants explore cutting-edge technologies and map STEM career pathways through hands-on labs and innovation workshops. Following the camp, fellows travel to U.S. cities like Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, or Seattle for job shadowing at tech firms, gaining insights into software engineering, AI development, and tech entrepreneurship. Community immersion includes 15+ hours of service at nonprofits or schools, with 95% of alumni launching community STEM projects post-program (Legacy International, 2024).
TechGirls champions global tech collaboration, uniting participants through leadership clinics, career panels, and cross-cultural exchanges. Fellows engage in STEM talks with female engineers at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center or Smithsonian Institution, fostering international networks, with 88% maintaining peer connections post-program (web:1). The program supports cultural inclusivity, offering halal dining options, prayer accommodations, and CPR-certified staff for health needs, ensuring a safe, welcoming environment. Virtual mentorship via Zoom extends learning, connecting fellows with U.S. mentors and global alumni across 50+ countries.
Participants experience U.S. cultural vibrancy, visiting landmarks like Washington, D.C.’s National Mall, Seattle’s Space Needle, or Austin’s State Capitol. Cultural events like D.C.’s Fourth of July celebrations or Cincinnati’s STEM festivals enrich the transformative U.S. tech immersion. U.S. host cities, equipped with tech hubs, research labs, and co-working spaces, support STEM excellence, with connectivity to Singapore, Tokyo, and London. The USA’s dynamic cities (QS Best Cities 2025: D.C. #17, Seattle #29) complement the program, ideal for young women in tech.
Candidates submit an online form, may attend virtual interviews with U.S. Embassy staff or Legacy International, and receive results via email or program social media. Join the global cohort to champion STEM innovation, embrace U.S. cultural diversity, and shape a tech-driven future with Tech Girls Exchange Program 2026!
Tech Girls Exchange Program 2026, Fully Funded USA:
Host Country:
•United States of America
Host Organization:
•U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Program Duration:
•7 months including 23 days in the United States
No. of Participants:
•111
Benefits of the TechGirls Exchange Program:
The summer exchange program will cover the following costs:
•Visa fee for international participants.
•Round Trip international airfare to the U.S.
•Round Trip domestic airfare (if applicable).
•Housing during the program:
•Double occupancy dorms at Virginia Tech.
•Double occupancy hotel accommodations in Washington, D.C.
•Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.
•Local transportation to program events.
•Cultural events organized by Legacy International.
Eligibility Criteria Tech Girls Exchange Program:
1. Candidates must belong to the eligible countries listed in Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, Western Hemisphere, Europe and Eurasia, and the USA.
2. Candidates should be between the ages of 15 and 17 at the beginning of the program.
3. Candidates must possess advanced skills and interest in technology engineering or math during their study tenure.
4. Candidates must wish to pursue their higher education and career in technology.
5. Candidates must have strong English language skills.
6. Candidates must exhibit a mature, flexible, and open-minded approach.
7. Candidates must be ready to attend at least one additional semester after their return to their home country.
8. Candidates must be willing to complete a community service project in their home country after their return.
9. Candidates with no prior experience in the USA or who have not visited the USA in the last three years are preferred.
10. Applicants must pay a USD 19 registration fee.
Eligible Countries for Tech Girls:
• 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, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
• Western Hemisphere (WHA) – Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Suriname
• United States of America
Required Documents:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Academic degree.
3. Academic transcript (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).
7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).
11. Eight essay questions are required to be filled.
12. Proof of STEM Interest (e.g., project descriptions, awards).
13. Parental Consent Form.
Program Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in December 2025!
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
