TechGirls will:
- Challenge themselves with new questions and concepts.
- Learn coding and tech skills from enthusiastic university professors.
- Network with influential industry leaders.
- Build their own innovative leadership style.
- Create meaningful friendships with young women from all over the world.
- Explore the United States living on the campus of Virginia Tech, enjoying homestays in a US city, and visiting the nation's capitol, Washington D.C.
- Discover American culture, ideas, and innovations.
- Inspire the next generation of women and girls in their home countries.
2026 Program Flow*:
(*Please note that all dates are tentative)
- 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!
Community Immersion and Job Shadow Experience
TechGirls will have the opportunity to dive into American culture and learn more about American innovation during this portion of the program. Through living with an American family, job shadowing in American companies, and more, TechGirls will gain insight into what life is like in the United States.
Participants will spend several days with a U.S. host family that has been carefully vetted through extensive background checks. The host family stay will be a fun opportunity for TechGirls to experience the daily life of a family in a U.S. city firsthand and engage in cultural activities.
Participants may be paired with another TechGirl for this experience. TechGirls may also “give back” during this program segment by participating in a service project in the host community. The spirit of volunteerism is a cornerstone in US communities.
Back At Home (August to December)
During the program, each TechGirl develops a Community Action Project to transfer skills and knowledge back home. Projects have included:
- starting a Tech Club at school
- offering STEM-based training to classmates
- helping local businesses by designing a website
- creating an online dialogue forum, blog, or podcast with friends
- organizing STEM-focused career fairs at their school
- teaching soft skills through public speaking or leadership workshops
- building resources to guide others towards college/university and vocational aspirations
- advancing STEM solutions through youth leadership
