TechGirls is an international exchange program designed to empower and support young women (ages 15-17) from the United States and select countries around the world to pursue higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields through hands-on skills development training.
Since 2012, TechGirls has trained and mentored 781 teenage girls. The program began supporting girls from the Middle East and North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, and Yemen). In 2019, the program expanded to include young women from Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan). In 2022, the program underwent a global expansion to begin serving girls in all six world regions (Western Hemisphere, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Eurasia, East Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, and South and Central Asia).
TechGirls: By the Numbers
Building STEM Skills
98% of program participants were more interested or as interested in STEM education after the program. 89% of alumnae reported a significant or moderate change in their awareness of opportunities in STEM fields.
Leadership Development
Participants learned and applied valuable soft skills: leadership (85%), intercultural communication (83%), and networking (74%).
Boosting Educational Opportunities
The program helped alumnae decide on a university major and increased participants’ confidence to pursue a career in STEM. 78% of alumnae have pursued further studies in STEM fields and 79% of working alumnae work in STEM fields.
Building a Global Network
96% of international alumnae and 75% of U.S. alumnae stay in touch through social media.
U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
TechGirls is an initiative of the opens in a new windowU.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. ECA strives to embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in all aspects of its work.
As mandated by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) works to build friendly, peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges, as well as public -private partnerships.
In an effort to reflect the diversity of the United States and global society, ECA programs, funding, and other activities encourage the involvement of American and international participants from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Opportunities are open to people regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. The Bureau is committed to fairness, equity and inclusion.
