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 653 teenage girls (ages 15-17). 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).
Applying Skills
TechGirls have trained over 9,000 other girls in digital and leaderships skills, including computer basics, robotics, film making, building websites, app development, and data analysis.
Tech Achievements
60% report attending and becoming finalists in tech competitions including Technovation Challenge, Lego Engineering Challenges, Microsoft’s DigiGirlz, Microsoft Challenges, and Cisco’s Innovation Grand Challenge.
Community Engagement
95% of the alumni report that their projects addressed community violence, refugee needs, volunteerism, public health, and exposure to technology for marginalized youth. 500+ community projects were conducted helping 9,000+ people.
Boosting Educational Opportunities
100% reported that tech skills made them more competitive in university enrollment, and boosted their confidence to pursue STEM in higher education. 80% report now studying medicine, math, computer science, engineering, or business.
Building a Global Network
Over 3750 U.S. tech professionals, host families, and peers have maintained contact with TechGirls.
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.
