U.S. Department of State TechGirls Exchange Program 2026 for next generation of young women in STEM (Fully Funded to the United States)

Application Deadline:  January 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM/Noon EST.

Applications are actually open for the 2026 U.S. Department of State TechWomen Exchange Program. TechWomen is a U.S.-based summer time alternate program designed to increase the expertise pipeline in STEM. Young women (ages 15-17) from the United States and choose nations acquire helpful hands-on coaching main them to pursue greater training and careers in science, know-how, engineering, and math. 

In 2026, the program will embrace 111 young women from 37 eligible nations/territories and 13 U.S. friends in a dynamic three-week U.S.-based expertise with a seven-month mentoring program (together with pre-and post-exchange).

The core of the TechWomen program is a 23-day expertise in the United States. In partnership with Virginia Tech University, members have interaction in an interactive tech camp that gives an in-depth examination of cutting-edge applied sciences and numerous academic {and professional} paths in STEM fields. Then, TechWomen journey to a metropolis round the USA (Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, or Seattle) for group immersion and STEM profession exploration. The TechWomen programming yields a multiplier impact as members return home to conduct community-based tasks with seven months of mentorship. It is estimated that over 44,000 folks have participated in these tasks since 2012. 

Eligibility Requirements

Students eligible to apply are those that:

• Are residents of one of the 2026 taking part nations/territories AND residing in that nation/territory at time of alternate:
  • 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 begin of the alternate on July 11, 2026
  • Born on or between July 12, 2008 and July 11, 2011;
• Have demonstrated superior expertise and a severe curiosity in science, know-how, engineering, and/or math in their tutorial research;
• Intend to pursue greater training and/or careers in STEM, particularly know-how;
• Have robust English language expertise (superior intermediate English expertise);
• Exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness;
• Will attend a minimum of one extra semester of secondary college upon their return to their home nation;
• Are dedicated to finishing a community-based undertaking upon their return home;
• Eligible candidates should be residents and present residents of 2026 taking part nations. Third-country nationals completely residing in an eligible nation ought to contact us to decide eligibility prior to making use of.
• Preference shall be given to those that have restricted or no prior expertise in the United States. You are usually not eligible in case you have traveled to the United States in the final three years as part of some other ECA alternate program.
• Not eligible in case you are a member of the family of U.S. Embassy or Consulate employees or U.S. Department of State workers. You can’t be a member of the family of a Legacy International employees member or any of our companion organizations. 
• Americans who’re twin residents and residing overseas are not eligible to journey to the US on the program or get a J-1 visa.

Covered Costs

The TechWomen program covers the following prices:

• Visa charge for worldwide members
• Roundtrip worldwide airfare from participant home nation to the United States
• Roundtrip home airfare from participant home metropolis (as relevant)
• Housing throughout program
  • Double occupancy dormitory lodging at Virginia Tech
  • Double occupancy lodging at resort in Washington, D.C.
• Meals throughout program
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Local transportation to group program occasions
• All academic and cultural occasions
• Emergency medical insurance

Program Details

• July 11, 2026: Arrivals and Orientation in Washington, D.C.
  • International TechWomen journey with fellow TechWomen from their home nation 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 expertise 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 conferences in Washington, D.C.
  • Past actions embrace visits to NASA, Capitol Hill, sports activities video games, the U.S. Department of State, and extra.
• August 2, 2026: Departure from Washington, D.C.

Important Notes:

• The TechWomen employees offers 24-hour supervision and a secure and safe surroundings.
• The TechWomen staff is conscious that there could also be tutorial calendar conflicts with the summer time TechWomen program schedule for some members. The TechWomen staff, the U.S. Department of State, and U.S. embassies are dedicated to offering assist in coordinating with college officers to allow participation. Applicants who meet all eligibility necessities are inspired to apply!

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the U.S. Department of State TechGirls Summer Exchange Program