As a TechGirl, you commit to an 7-month mentorship program with leadership training and join an alumnae network of TechWomen and TechGirls that will support you as you plan your higher education, careers and community-based projects.
TechGirls will:
- Challenge themselves with new questions and concepts
- Learn coding and tech skills from enthusiastic university professors
- Network with influential industry leaders
- Discover their own innovative leadership style
- Create meaningful friendships with young women from all over the world
- Explore the diverse communities of Washington, D.C., southwest Virginia and across the country
- Inspire the next generation of women and girls in their home countries
Your U.S. program begins with group international travel with your fellow participants from your country with a flight escort. Meeting all the other young women selected from across your region is the first inspiring element to the program.
The TechGirls staff provides 24-hour supervision and a safe and secure environment.
2023 Program Flow
These plans are tentative and subject to adjustment pending review of evolving best practices, including COVID-19 guidelines.
The TechGirls team is aware that for some countries there may be academic calendar conflicts with the summer TechGirls program schedule. The TechGirls team, Department of State and U.S. Embassies are committed to providing support in coordinating with school officials to enable participation and we encourage girls from all eligible countries to apply.
July 8, 2023: Arrivals and Orientation in Washington, D.C.
July 9-22, 2023: Technology and leadership training at Virginia Tech , Blacksburg Virginia.
July 23-25, 2023: Community Immersion and Job Shadow experiences in one of the following cities (Austin, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, and Seattle).
July 26-31, 2023: Washington D.C.- Visits to NASA, Capitol Hill and capstone events.
August 1, 2023: Departure from Washington, D.C.
Community Immersion and Job Shadow Experience
While in the U.S., participants will spend three days with an American host family that has been carefully vetted through extensive background checks. The host family visit will be a fun opportunity for TechGirls to experience the daily life of an American family firsthand and engage in cultural activities. Participants will be paired up with another TechGirl for this experience, which they will share together. During the program we have arranged an opportunity for participants to “give back” by participating in a service project in the host community. Working with various organizations to address local concerns may give you ideas for when you return home.
Back at Home (August-January)
Community action plans: During the program, each TechGirl develops an action plan for a community-based project to transfer skills and knowledge back home. Projects have included – starting a Tech Club at school, offering training to classmates, helping local business by designing a website, creating an on-line dialogue forum with friends, blogging, and organizing tech career fairs at their school.
