Call for Applications: TechWomen Program 2024

TechWomen supports the United States’ global commitment toward advancing the rights and participation of women and girls around the world by enabling them to reach their full potential in the tech industry.

Launched in 2011, TechWomen is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and is managed by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

TechWomen brings emerging women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East together with their professional counterparts in the United States for a mentorship and exchange program. TechWomen provides participants access to networks, resources and knowledge to empower them to reach their full potential.

Award Details

• Covered Costs
  • The following costs are covered by the TechWomen program:
    • Roundtrip international airfare from participant home country to the United States
    • Domestic airfare from San Francisco or Chicago to Washington, D.C.
    • Housing in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, California, Emeryville, California or Chicago, Illinois during the mentorship period
    • Meals and incidentals
    • Hotel stay in Washington, D.C.
    • Public transportation to the participant’s host company
    • Local transportation to group program events in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.
  • Participants are responsible for the cost of any non program activities such as independent sightseeing and cultural events, as well as any non program-related domestic or international travel.
• Housing
  • TechWomen participants will be housed in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, California, Emeryville, California or Chicago, Illinois, depending on the location of the participant’s host company. Participants will share an apartment with a fellow Emerging Leader. Each participant will have her own private bedroom, while the living room and kitchen will be shared.
  • The TechWomen program is unable to accommodate participants’ spouses, children, or other dependents.

The Experience

• From the moment the Emerging Leaders arrive, they are immersed in the innovative, constantly evolving culture of Silicon Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area or Chicago. Emerging Leaders work closely with their Professional Mentors to design meaningful projects while exploring the San Francisco Bay Area or Chicago with their Cultural Mentor and fellow program participants.
• TechWomen Emerging Leaders will:
  • Challenge themselves with new questions and concepts
  • Collaborate with like-minded women in their fields on an innovative project
  • Network with influential industry leaders
  • Discover their own innovative leadership style
  • Create meaningful friendships with women from all over the world
  • Explore the diverse communities of the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.
  • Inspire the next generation of women and girls in their home countries

TechWomen Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must:
  • Be women with, at minimum, two years full-time professional experience in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Please note that internships and other unpaid work experience does not count toward the two-year professional experience requirement.
  • Have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree/four-year university degree or equivalent.
  • Be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • Be citizens and permanent residents of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan or Zimbabwe at the time of application and while participating in the program.
  • Be eligible to obtain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa.
  • Not have applied for an immigrant visa to the United States (other than the Diversity Immigrant Visa, also known as the “visa lottery”) in the past five years.
  • Not hold U.S. citizenship or be a U.S. legal permanent resident.
• Preference will be given to applicants who:
  • Demonstrate themselves as emerging leaders in their chosen professional track through their work experience, volunteer experience, community activities and education.
  • Are committed to return to their home countries to share what they have learned and mentor women and girls.
  • Have limited or no prior experience in the United States.
  • Have a proven record of voluntary or public service in their communities.
  • Have a demonstrated track record of entrepreneurialism and commitment to innovation.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to participate in exchange programs, welcome opportunities for mentoring and new partnership development, and exhibit confidence and maturity.
• TechWomen encourages people with diverse backgrounds and skills to apply, including individuals with disabilities.

For more information, visit Institute of International Education (IIE).