TechGirls Program Opens 2026 Applications to Bridge Global STEM Gender Gap

Gender inequality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) continues to emerge at an early age, with girls – particularly in developing regions—facing structural barriers such as limited access to digital tools, quality education, and technical skills. In some 20 countries, including several in Sub-Saharan Africa, fewer than one percent of rural young women from the poorest households complete secondary school.

Globally, women account for just 35 percent of STEM graduates, a disparity that carries a staggering economic cost. Studies estimate that gaps in girls’ education result in losses of between $15 trillion and $30 trillion to the global economy.

The TechGirls STEM Exchange Program is designed to confront these challenges head-on by equipping young women with advanced technical skills, mentorship, and global exposure at a critical stage in their academic and career development.

For 2026, TechGirls is offering 111 fully-funded placements to girls aged 15 to 17 from 37 participating countries across six world regions. The program includes an intensive 23-day STEM experience in the United States, hosted in partnership with Virginia Tech University, followed by seven months of structured mentorship in participants’ home countries.

Eligible applicants come from Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. Countries represented include Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Egypt, Pakistan, Türkiye, Peru, Vietnam, and others. Thirteen positions are also reserved for participants from the United States.

Applicants must demonstrate strong STEM aptitude, a clear commitment to pursuing careers in technology, and high proficiency in English. The program is fully funded, covering visa fees, international travel, accommodation, meals, local transportation, cultural activities, and emergency health insurance.

Application Deadline: January 20, 2025

TechGirls continues to play a vital role in shaping the next generation of women leaders in STEM, helping to close gender gaps while building inclusive, future-ready economies. APPLY