U.S. Department of State Launches STEM Exchange Program for TechGirls from 36 Countries in Washington, DC

Recognizing the power of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as a vehicle to create economic, educational, and societal opportunity and equity globally, the U.S. Department of State launched today this year’s TechGirls exchange program in Washington, DC. More than 125 girls, ages 15-18 years old, from 36 countries and territories, including the United States, who have an interest in pursuing a STEM-related education or career arrived in Washington, DC on July 7 for a month-long immersive skills development training and cultural exchange.

The program’s centerpiece is a 12-day technology camp hosted by Virginia Tech’s Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity in Blacksburg, Virginia. The TechGirls participants also will visit the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and experience life with U.S. host families in Austin, Cincinnati, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, and Seattle during a five-day community immersion program.

U.S. technology leaders in both public and private sector organizations will mentor the TechGirls, offering them insights into STEM careers. The program will close in Washington, DC, with a Women’s High-Tech Coalition session on Capitol Hill, a Washington Spirit women’s soccer game, and a closing ceremony with senior-level officials at the State Department.

Legacy International, the Department of State’s implementing partner for TechGirls, has teamed up with several additional organizations to create a robust TechGirls experience, including Virginia Tech, World Chicago, Global Ties Detroit, World Denver, BRAVE Communities-Austin, Global Ties Cincinnati, World Affairs Council-Seattle, and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, among others.

TechGirls exchange alumnae, now totaling over 500, have trained more than 12,000 peers in their home countries and have pursued studies at leading institutions around the world. Join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #TechGirls.