Gender gaps in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies become evident from a young age, with girls facing barriers including unequal access to digital assets and skills. Fewer than 1% of rural young women from the poorest 20% of households complete secondary school in 20 countries, including many in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Women comprise only 35% of STEM graduates globally, with the economic cost of girls’ education gaps reaching $15-30 trillion worldwide.
TechGirls STEM Exchange Program
TechGirls directly addresses these systemic barriers by providing intensive STEM training and mentorship to young women when career trajectories are forming.
The 2026 TechGirls program offers 111 fully-funded positions for women ages 15-17 from 37 participating countries across six global regions. The comprehensive package includes a 23-day U.S.-based experience partnering with Virginia Tech University, followed by seven months of mentorship.
Eligible countries include:
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia
- East Asia/Pacific: Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, Vietnam
- Europe/Eurasia: Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, Türkiye
- Middle East/North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia
- South/Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
- Western Hemisphere: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Suriname
- Plus: United States (13 positions)
Applicants must demonstrate advanced STEM skills and serious interest in pursuing technology careers. Strong English proficiency required. All costs covered, including visa fees, international airfare, housing, meals, transportation, cultural events, and emergency health insurance.
Apply Now: Deadline: January 20, 2025
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On the behalf of kasese institute of business management and on my own behalf ihere by request for partnership and funding that is to empower the young idolecent girls in information techinology and install internet cafe. Therefore we need $10,000 the age limit will be 15 and 17
Thank you so much hearing from you soon
Bwambale mathew mande
Director
That’s a big opportunity for the young women stem and I’m it’ll do a lot in support.
Thank you
I hereby introduce to you the above mentioned group. BRUDA is a registered community based organization started with the aim of developing women and youth skills in income generating activities for self reliance.
BRUDA is planning to establish a community bookshop and ICT training center for underserved community in kasese Uganda. Kasese faces persistent challenges in access to education, learning materials, and digital skills. Many youth and women especially school dropouts and those from low-income house holds lack textbooks, reading space, and basic ICT skills required for employment, entrepreneurship and participation in digital economy.
We therefore request for support towards this noble course
Hope our request will be but under your consideration and guidance on how to submit in our application.
Yours sincerely
Bwambale Zakayo Syahungene
Coordinator.
Thank you for sharing that information and I’m sure that it’ll be of help to many young women
This is a great program for young girls in Africa
Is the program still available this year? I saw the Deadline is: Jan 20, 2025. Thanks.