U.S. Office of Palestinian
Affairs

2023 TechGirls Program

Call for Applications: 2023 TechGirls Program

 

The U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs in Jerusalem and the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) are pleased to announce the 2023 TechGirls program. TechGirls is an international summer exchange program designed to empower and inspire young girls from around the world to pursue careers in science and technology.

TechGirls takes place in the USA from July 8 to Aug 1, 2023.

Application Deadline: December 16, 2022

The core of the program is a 22-day experience in the United States in partnership with Virginia Tech University. TechGirls participate in an interactive technology and computer camp, then travel to one of the following cities (Austin, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Portland, or Seattle) for job shadowing at a tech company, homestay, and community service experiences. TechGirls yields a multiplier effect as participants return home to educate their peers and create community-based projects.

TechGirls is packed with skill-development workshops and interactions with America’s most innovative tech professionals as well as 40 hours of study at a Tech Camp with our partner the Center for Enhancement in Engineering Diversity at Virginia Tech. TechGirls offers a rich cultural immersion experience, improves the participants’ ability to enter tech fields and encourages them to pursue higher education in fields where women are underrepresented. During the U.S.-based exchange, participants will create action plans for community-based projects that they will be required to implement upon their return to their home communities.  Projects will be designed to reinforce and support the skills and linkages acquired during the U.S. program.

Participant Qualifications: Candidates must

• Be between the ages of 15-17
• Palestinian residents of Jerusalem, the West Bank, or Gaza Strip
• Have strong English language skills
• Have demonstrated advanced skills and a serious interest in technology, engineering, or math in their academic studies
• Intend to pursue higher education or careers in technology
• Exhibit maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness
• Attend at least one additional semester of secondary school upon their return to their home country
• Be committed to completing a follow-on project upon their return home

Important Notes

• Participation in the program is contingent upon the applicant qualifying for a J-1 visa to the United States.
• Holders of U.S. passports or green cards are not eligible to participate in this program.
• Preference will be given to those who have limited or no prior experience in the United States. You are not eligible if you have travelled to the United States in the last three years as part of any other U.S. government exchange program.

Application Deadline and Inquiries

The online application is available through the following link: techgirlsglobal.org. Jerusalem and West Bank Applicants: Please send an email to Jerusalemexchanges@state.gov or call 02-622-7107 for more information. Gaza Applicants: Please send an email to JRSGazaexchanges@state.gov.