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). Launched in 2011.
Description
TechWomen aims to empower, connect and support the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by providing them access and opportunity to advance their careers, pursue their dreams, and become role models for women and girls in their communities. 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.
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.
During the five-week program, participants engage in project-based mentorships at leading companies in the San Francisco Bay Area, participate in professional development workshops and networking events, and travel to Washington, DC. for targeted meetings and special events to conclude the program.
Program Location
The program will include project-based mentorships, workshops, and targeted meetings in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as special events and debrief activities in Washington, DC.
Finance and Benefits
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 to Washington, D.C.
- Housing in San Francisco or Sunnyvale, California 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 and Washington, D.C.
- TechWomen participants will be housed in San Francisco or Sunnyvale, California, 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.
Eligibility
1- 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.
2- Have at minimum a bachelor’s degree/four-year university degree or equivalent.`
3- Be proficient in written and spoken English.
4- Be citizens and permanent residents of Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, The Palestinian Territories, Cameroon, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan or Zimbabwe at the time of application and while participating in the program.
5- Be eligible to obtain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa.
6- 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.
7- 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.
Duration
The Spring 2022 TechWomen program will occur over five weeks from February – March 2022. Due to the fast-paced nature of the program, arrival and departure dates are not flexible. For more information, please see Program Details.
How many applicants will be selected?
The TechWomen initiative will identify 113 women in STEM fields from countries in Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East to participate in the Spring 2022 program.
Time Table
March 2021: Spring 2022 program application opens
May 2021: Spring 2022 program application closes
July 2021: Semifinalists are contacted
September 2021: Final selection decisions are made
February 2022 - March 2022: U.S. Spring 2022 TechWomen program
Deadline
The application will close on 09:00AM PDT (GMT-07:00), Wednesday, May 5, 2021.
Selection Process
TechWomen participants are selected based on the eligibility requirements below. Applications are reviewed by independent selection committees composed of industry leaders and regional experts. Semifinalists may be interviewed by United States Embassy personnel in their country of permanent residence.
How to Apply?
create an account and start your application from here
For Further information check the official website from here
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