Application Deadline: January 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM/Noon EST.
Applications are now open for the 2026 U.S. Department of State TechGirls Exchange Program. TechGirls is a U.S.-based summer exchange program designed to expand the talent pipeline in STEM. Young women (ages 15-17) from the United States and select countries gain valuable hands-on training leading them to pursue higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
In 2026, the program will include 111 young women from 37 eligible countries/territories and 13 U.S. peers in a dynamic three-week U.S.-based experience with a seven-month mentoring program (including pre-and post-exchange).
The core of the TechGirls program is a 23-day experience in the United States. In partnership with Virginia Tech University, participants engage in an interactive tech camp that provides an in-depth examination of cutting-edge technologies and various educational and professional paths in STEM fields. Then, TechGirls travel to a city around the USA (Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, or Seattle) for community immersion and STEM career exploration. The TechGirls programming yields a multiplier effect as participants return home to conduct community-based projects with seven months of mentorship. It is estimated that over 44,000 people have participated in these projects since 2012.
Eligibility Requirements
Students eligible to apply are those who:
- Are citizens of one of the 2026 participating countries/territories AND living in that country/territory at time of exchange:
- 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, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
- Western Hemisphere (WHA) – Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Suriname
- United States of America
- Are between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange on July 11, 2026
- Born on or between July 12, 2008 and July 11, 2011;
- Have demonstrated advanced skills and a serious interest in science, technology, engineering, and/or math in their academic studies;
- Intend to pursue higher education and/or careers in STEM, especially technology;
- Have strong English language skills (advanced intermediate English skills);
- Exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness;
- Will attend at least one additional semester of secondary school upon their return to their home country;
- Are committed to completing a community-based project upon their return home;
- Eligible candidates must be citizens and current residents of 2026 participating countries. Third-country nationals permanently living in an eligible country should contact us to determine eligibility prior to applying.
- Preference will be given to those who have limited or no prior experience in the United States. You are not eligible if you have traveled to the United States in the last three years as part of any other ECA exchange program.
- Not eligible if you are a family member of U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff or U.S. Department of State employees. You cannot be a family member of a Legacy International staff member or any of our partner organizations.
- Americans who are dual citizens and living abroad are not eligible to travel to the US on the program or get a J-1 visa.
Covered Costs
The TechGirls program covers the following costs:
- Visa fee for international participants
- Roundtrip international airfare from participant home country to the United States
- Roundtrip domestic airfare from participant home city (as applicable)
- Housing during program
- Double occupancy dormitory accommodations at Virginia Tech
- Double occupancy accommodations at hotel in Washington, D.C.
- Meals during program
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Local transportation to group program events
- All educational and cultural events
- Emergency health insurance
Program Details
- July 11, 2026: Arrivals and Orientation in Washington, D.C.
- International TechGirls travel with fellow TechGirls from their home country and a flight chaperone.
- July 13-25, 2026: Tech camp at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia
- July 25-29, 2026: Community Immersion and Job Shadow experience in one of the following cities:
- Austin, Texas
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Denver, Colorado
- Detroit, Michigan
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Seattle, Washington State
- July 29-August 1, 2026: Activities and meetings in Washington, D.C.
- Past activities include visits to NASA, Capitol Hill, sports games, the U.S. Department of State, and more.
- August 2, 2026: Departure from Washington, D.C.
Important Notes:
- The TechGirls staff provides 24-hour supervision and a safe and secure environment.
- The TechGirls team is aware that there may be academic calendar conflicts with the summer TechGirls program schedule for some participants. The TechGirls team, the U.S. Department of State, and U.S. embassies are committed to providing support in coordinating with school officials to enable participation. Applicants who meet all eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply!
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the U.S. Department of State TechGirls Summer Exchange Program
