The TechGirls Exchange Program 2026, organized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, offers young women an exceptional opportunity to advance careers in STEM.
Designed for girls aged 15–17 from the U.S. and 37 eligible countries, the program provides hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math fields. In 2026, 111 international participants and 13 U.S. peers will join a three-week U.S.-based exchange, followed by a seven-month mentoring program.
Applications close January 20, 2026.
Countries Eligible for program
United States of America
Sub-Saharan Africa (AF): Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia
East Asia and the 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, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
Western Hemisphere (WHA): Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Suriname
Benefits
- Visa fee covered for international participants
- Roundtrip international airfare to the USA
- Roundtrip domestic airfare (if applicable)
- Housing provided throughout the program
- Double-occupancy dorms at Virginia Tech
- Double-occupancy hotel stay in Washington, D.C.
- All meals included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Local transportation for program events
- Participation in all educational and cultural activities
- Emergency health insurance
Also read:
https://archive.mmnews.tv/finland-offers-fully-funded-scholarship-for-international-students-how-to-apply/
Eligibility
- Female applicants only
- Age 15–17 (born between July 13, 2008, and July 13, 2011)
- Strong interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Advanced-intermediate English language proficiency
- Demonstrate maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness
- Must attend at least one additional semester of secondary school after returning home
