TechGirls Exchange Program

Description:   

The TechGirls program is an educational exchange initiative for approximately 25 teenage girls from the Middle East and North Africa. The three-to five-week exchange program in the United States will take place in June-July 2012, tentatively June 15—July 19, 2012 and will focus on promoting the high-level study of applied technology. This initiative champions two key themes of President Obama’s June 2009 speech in Cairo by supporting development in the field of technology and enabling young women to reach their full potential in the technology industry. Eligible participants will be high school girls, aged 15 to 17 years old, who already have a demonstrated aptitude and strong interest in the field of technology.  The program aims to empower girls to pursue higher education and careers in technology; link peers who share interests and abilities; develop the leadership skills of the participants; promote mutual understanding among the peoples of the United States and the countries and territories of the Middle East and North Africa.

Eligibility Requirements:

Ideal candidates must:

• be between the ages of 15 and 17 as of June 1, 2012 (born after June 1, 1995, and before June 1, 1997);
• have demonstrated advanced skills and a serious interest in technology, engineering, and/or math in their academic studies;
• demonstrate a general knowledge/understanding of key technology-focused topics (e.g. programming in C++ or Java, cloud computing, 3D modeling, robotics, mobile communications technology and applications).
• intend to pursue higher education and careers in technology;
• have strong English language skills;
• be excited about learning;
• exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness; and
• attend at least one more semester of secondary school upon their return to their home country.

Application Instructions:

Completed applications must include:

• Completed Application Coversheet Form   
• Completed Application Form
• 1 Recommendation Letter (can be from school or another institution).
• Copy of passport (if available)
• Copy of school transcript (please do not submit original transcripts). Transcripts are the official document from the applicant’s school showing the student’s scores, grades etc for previous years of study.

Please submit your applications and supporting documentation to ExchangesCairo@state.gov  with the program name in the subject line.

Remark:  Repeated or incomplete applications and any applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Deadline for Applications:  January 24, 2012 at 4:30 PM