The TeachGirls Program 2026 is a fully funded international STEM exchange program designed to inspire, train, and empower young girls with strong interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The program is globally known for equipping teenage girls with hands-on technical skills, leadership exposure, and long-term mentorship that prepares them for future careers in STEM fields.
The initiative is delivered through TechGirls, a flagship youth program of the U.S. Department of State, aimed at expanding the global pipeline of female leaders in technology and innovation.
About the TeachGirls (TechGirls) Program
TeachGirls is a U.S.-based summer exchange program for girls aged 15–17 from the United States and selected countries worldwide. The program combines a 23-day immersive experience in the U.S. with a seven-month mentorship and community project phase.
In 2026, the program will host:
- 111 international participants from 37 countries
- 13 participants from the United States
- A three-week U.S. tech camp and city immersion
- Seven months of pre- and post-exchange mentoring
Program Structure
U.S. Tech Camp
Participants attend an intensive technology camp hosted in partnership with Virginia Tech University, where they explore emerging technologies, STEM pathways, and real-world problem-solving.
Community Immersion
After the camp, participants travel to selected U.S. cities such as Austin, Seattle, Denver, Detroit, Cincinnati, or Kansas City to engage with STEM professionals, institutions, and community organizations.
Post-Exchange Mentorship
Upon returning home, fellows complete community-based STEM projects with continued mentorship. Since 2012, these projects have reached over 44,000 people globally.
Also Apply For: Her-Health Research Fellowship 2026
Eligibility Criteria for 2026
Applicants must:
- Be 15–17 years old at the start of the exchange (born between July 12, 2008, and July 11, 2011)
- Be a citizen and resident of a participating country
- Demonstrate strong interest and ability in STEM subjects
- Intend to pursue STEM education or careers
- Possess advanced-intermediate English proficiency
- Show maturity, flexibility, and leadership potential
- Commit to completing a community project after the program
- Be enrolled in secondary school and return for at least one more semester
Important Restrictions
- Applicants who participated in another U.S. exchange program in the last three years are not eligible
- Children or relatives of U.S. Embassy, U.S. Department of State, or program staff are not eligible
- Dual U.S. citizens living abroad cannot participate
Participating Countries (2026)
Eligible applicants may come from:
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
United States of America
Application Timeline (2026)
- Applications open: December 11, 2025 (8:00 AM EST)
- Applications close: January 20, 2026 (12:00 PM EST)
Important Notice:
Due to high global demand, only the first 125 completed applications per country will be reviewed. Late submissions will not be accepted once the quota is reached.
Selection Process
- Applications are reviewed by independent international selection committees
- Semi-finalists outside the U.S. are interviewed by U.S. Embassy officials
- U.S. semi-finalists are interviewed by program administrators
- Finalists are selected based on merit, leadership potential, and commitment to STEM
Use of AI Tools
Applicants must submit 100% original work.
The use of AI tools (including ChatGPT), translation software, editing tools, or copied content is strictly prohibited and will lead to automatic disqualification.
Why Apply for TeachGirls 2026?
- Fully funded U.S. STEM exchange
- Hands-on training with real technologies
- Global networking and mentorship
- Leadership and community impact experience
- Long-term career inspiration in STEM
For more information, visit the TeachGirls Program.
