TechGirls International Summer Exchange Program 2020, US Department Of State, US

Publish Date: Dec 28, 2019

Deadline: Jan 15, 2020

TechGirls International Summer Exchange Program

TechGirls is an international summer exchange program designed to empower and inspire young women from the United States, Central Asia and the Middle East and North Africa to pursue careers in science and technology.

The centerpiece of the program is a weeklong technology camp that provides participants with an in-depth examination of technology-related topics, such as coding and cyber security and engages them in 45+ hours of hands-on instruction. The camp is complemented by additional activities such as site visits to technology companies, leadership clinics, community service opportunities, job shadowing, and cultural events. As part of program follow-on, the TechGirls implement at least one peer training program or service project within their schools and/or communities.

Overview

TechGirls connects and supports the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by providing them  access and opportunities to advance their skills and pursue their dreams.

Since 2012, TechGirls trained and mentored 238 teenage girls (ages 15-17) from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, and Yemen.  The core of the program is a three-week experience in the United States.  In 2019, the program expanded to include 24 young women from Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.)

TechGirls participate in an interactive technology and computer camp (with US Girls), join a tech company for a day of job shadowing, and participate in community service initiatives. There is a TechGirls multiplier effect – inspiring others in their local community to pursue Stem.

TechGirls is packed with skill-development workshops and interactions with America’s most innovative tech professionals as well as 45 hours of study at a Tech Camp with our partner the Center for Enhancement in Engineering Diversity at Virginia Tech.  The TechGirls program offers  a rich cultural immersion experience, improves the participants’ ability to enter tech fields and encourages them to pursue higher education in fields where women are under-represented.

 

TechGirls is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) mission is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange that assist in the development of peaceful relations.  The program is administered by Legacy International.

2020 Eligibility Requirements

Students eligible to apply are those who:

  • Are from one of the following eligible countries:
    • United States
    • Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia;
    •  Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
  • Are between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the exchange;
  • Have demonstrated advanced skills and a serious interest in technology, engineering, and/or math in their academic studies;
  • Intend to pursue higher education and/or careers in technology;
  • Have strong English language skills;
  • Exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness;
  • Will attend at least one additional semester of secondary school upon their return to their home country; and
  • Are committed to completing a community-based project upon their return home.
  • Preference will be given to those who have limited or no prior experience in the United States. You are not eligible if you have travelled to the United States in the last three years as part of any other ECA exchange program.

Please note that family members of U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff or U.S. Department of State employees are not eligible to apply.

TechGirls encourages people with diverse backgrounds and skills to apply, including individuals with disabilities.

Selection Timeline

The 2020 TechGirls application opened on November 15, 2019  and closes at 12:00PM EST on January 15, 2020. Semifinalists will be contacted via email in/around March 1 for the next stage of interviews. Final decisions will be made in early April.  All applicants will be notified of the results of their application.

For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.

 

 


This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:

https://www.legacyintl.org/techgirls/?fbclid=IwAR0l1LEa6j5K07hHGj6lBvuZDu3oLqomx4u3MZhwBzNoGyhrGJlbedf1a28

Similar Opportunities


Disciplines

Engineering

Mathematics

Science

Technology

Study Levels

Non Degree

Eligible Countries

Algeria

Egypt

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan

Lebanon

Libya

Morocco

Palestine

Tajikistan

Tunisia

United States

Uzbekistan

Yemen

Host Countries

United States

Event Types

Workshops