Applications have officially opened for the 2026 U.S. Department of State TechGirls Exchange Program, a competitive summer initiative hosted in the United States that aims to strengthen the future STEM workforce. The program is designed for girls aged 15 to 17 and brings together participants from the United States and selected countries around the world. Through practical, hands-on learning, participants are encouraged to pursue university studies and long-term careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The 2026 cohort will consist of 111 international participants representing 37 eligible countries and territories, alongside 13 peers from the United States. They will take part in an intensive three-week experience in the U.S., complemented by a seven-month mentorship component that begins before the exchange and continues after participants return home. This blended approach is intended to provide sustained guidance, skills development, and personal growth beyond the physical exchange period.

At the heart of the program is a 23-day stay in the United States. In collaboration with Virginia Tech University, participants attend an interactive technology camp where they explore emerging technologies and learn about diverse academic and career pathways within STEM fields. Following this, participants travel to one of several U.S. cities—such as Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, or Seattle—for community engagement activities and exposure to real-world STEM careers. After returning to their home countries, participants are expected to implement community-based projects with continued mentorship support. Since the program began in 2012, these projects have reached an estimated 44,000 people.

Applicants must be citizens and residents of one of the participating countries or territories at the time of the exchange. Eligible regions include parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, the Western Hemisphere, as well as the United States. Participants must be between 15 and 17 years old when the exchange begins on July 11, 2026, and must have been born between July 12, 2008, and July 11, 2011. They are expected to show strong academic performance and a clear commitment to STEM subjects, with plans to continue into higher education or professional careers in these fields, particularly technology.

Strong English communication skills at an advanced intermediate level are required, along with personal qualities such as adaptability, independence, and cultural openness. Applicants must still have at least one additional term of secondary education remaining after the program and must be willing to complete a community-focused project upon returning home. Preference is given to candidates who have little or no previous experience in the United States, and those who have participated in other U.S. government exchange programs within the past three years are not eligible. Family members of U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff, U.S. Department of State employees, or partner organizations are also excluded. Dual U.S. citizens residing outside the United States are not eligible to participate or obtain a J-1 visa through the program.

All major program-related expenses are covered for selected participants. This includes school materials, visa fees for international participants, international and domestic flights as required, accommodation throughout the program, and all meals. Participants are housed in shared dormitory rooms at Virginia Tech and in shared hotel rooms during the Washington, D.C. portion of the program. Local transportation, educational and cultural activities, and emergency health insurance are also fully provided to ensure a safe and enriching experience.

Scroll down below for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity