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).

ELIGIBILITY:

Summer 2026 Participating Countries: TechGirls will be competitively recruited and selected from the following regions/countries and territories:

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

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 the 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.

Please note that due to strong interest in the program globally, ONLY the first 125 fully completed applications from each country/territory will be considered. Do not wait until the last minute to apply as you will not be able to submit an application after 125 completed applications have been received from your country/territory. There will be no exceptions.

BENEFIT:

The TechGirls program covers the following costs:

Visa fee for international participants

Roundtrip international airfare from the participant’s home country to the United States

Roundtrip domestic airfare from participant’s home city (as applicable)

Housing during program

Double occupancy dormitory accommodations at Virginia Tech

Double occupancy accommodations at a 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