TechGirls is a U.S.-based summer exchange program that empowers and supports young women (ages 15–17) to pursue higher education and careers in STEM fields through hands-on skills development training.
The core of the TechGirls program is a 23-day experience in the United States, scheduled for mid-July and early August 2026. In partnership with Virginia Tech, participants will engage in an interactive tech camp that provides an in-depth examination of cutting-edge technologies and various educational and professional paths in STEM fields. Afterward, TechGirls will travel to another city (Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, or Seattle) for community immersion and STEM career exploration. The TechGirls program creates a multiplier effect as participants return home to conduct community-based projects with seven months of mentorship.
In 2026, the program will support young women from 38 participating countries and U.S. peers in a three-week program in the United States, followed by six months of mentoring (including pre- and post-exchange).
For more details on the three-week exchange, please visit the TechGirls program webpage: https://techgirlsglobal.org/
The Department of State fully funds the program and covers all program costs, including in-country domestic and international travel, visa expenses, pre-departure orientations, and all U.S.-based exchange activities.
To apply, students must:
- Be a female citizen of Turkmenistan living in Turkmenistan at the time of the exchange.
- Be born on or between July 12, 2008, and July 11, 2011
- Demonstrate interest in technology, science, engineering, and/or math in their academic studies.
- Intend to pursue higher education and/or careers in STEM, especially technology.
- Have advanced intermediate English skills.
- Exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness.
- Commit to completing a community-based project upon their return home.
Note: Preference will be given to those who have limited or no prior experience in the United States. Students are not eligible if they have traveled to the United States in the last three years as part of any other U.S. Department of State/ECA exchange program.
The TechGirls program encourages people with diverse backgrounds and skills to apply, including individuals with disabilities.
Please note that family members of U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff or U.S. Department of State employees are not eligible to apply.
Selection Timeline
- December 11, 2025: TechGirls application opens
- January 20, 2026: TechGirls application deadline
- February 2026 : Application Review
- March 2026: Semi-finalist Interviews
- May 2026: Finalists and alternate notifications
- Mid-July – August , 2026: Program dates in the United States
Application Deadline and How to Apply
Submit your application online in English by January 20, 2026. To submit your application, please follow this link: Sign In » Legacy International Online Application System (legacyintlleaders.org).
Contact Us
For questions related to the program, please email AshgabatEducation@state.gov with “TechGirls” in the subject line.