The application for one of the most-awaited summer exchange programs in the USA is finally open, you heard it right! Applications are open for the TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 2026. The summer exchange is an initiative of the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs that aims to empower and inspire the next generation of women leaders in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. The duration of the exchange program is 7 months, which includes both an in-person US-based exchange and virtual mentorship components.
The TechGirl exchange program is seeking applications from talented female students aged 15-17 years from eligible countries who intend to pursue their higher education and careers in STEM fields. The program offers generous support to the selected participants. The coverage includes air travel support, accommodation, health insurance, transportation, meals during the program, and more. The core feature of the program is 23 days of summer stay in the USA, where selected participants will attend an intensive technology camp at Virginia University that includes over 45 hours of training in areas like programming, mobile development, and cybersecurity, followed by tech company visits, community service, cultural activities, and more.
After returning from the US, the participants will develop and implement community-based projects under the mentorship of assigned mentors. The application process for the exchange program is online; no application fee is required. The last date for the submission of the application is January 20th, 2026. Check out more details below.
TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 2026: Overview
- Host Country: United States
- Organized by: US Department of States
- Duration: 7 Months
- Coverage: Fully Funded
- No of Awards: 111
- Application Deadline: January 20th, 2026
Also, Check: United Nations Graduate Study Programme 2026 in Geneva
Program Components
The summer exchange program is delivered in three main components:
1. Virtual mentorship
Participants will engage in virtual sessions with US mentors, broaden their initial connections, and prepare them for the community project
2. In-Person Exchange in the United States
Participants will spend 23 days in the United States, where they will attend interactive tech sessions at Virginia University, travel to various US cities (Denver, Kansas City, Austin, Seattle, etc), attend leadership training, and cultural activities.
3. Post Virtual Mentorship
After returning from the USA, participants will develop and implement a community-based project under the mentorship of renowned experts.
Eligiblity Countries
Applicants from the following countries/territories are eligible to apply:
- United States of America, Algeria, Jordan, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, Cameroon, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Zambia, Cambodia, Mongolia, Taiwan, Fiji, Indonesia, Vietnam, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Cyprus, Greece, Türkiye, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Suriname
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizens of the countries mentioned above are eligible to apply
- Applicants’ age must be between 15 and 17 years old at the time of application
- Demonstrate interest in STEM fields
- Intend to pursue their higher education in STEM fields
- Have strong English communication skills
- Demonstrate commitment to complete a community-based project
- Preference is given to applicants who have no prior experience in the USA
Coverage
The TechGirls summer program offers comprehensive support, which includes:
- Round-trip Air travel coverage
- Accommodation & meals
- Visa coverage
- Local Transportation Costs
- Health insurance
- Access to program activities
Benefits
- Participants will gain hands-on tech training in cutting-edge technologies
- Explore career opportunities in the STEM fields
- Recieve guidance and mentorship from a tech professional
- Develop leadership skills through intensive training
- Culture immersion through visits to different cities and homestays
- Build meaningful networks
- Gain access to the Alumni network
Also, Check:
How to Apply?
The application process of the US TechGirl summer exchange program is online; applicants meeting the required criteria need to submit an online application form via the official portal. Visit the official link below, complete the online application form, provide all the required documents, and submit your application.
Note: As per the offical website, the first 125 applications from each country will be considered; due to strong interest in the program globally. Therefore, don’t wait for the last minute to apply.
APPLY FOR 2026 TECHGIRLS PROGRAM
