The U.S. Government has opened applications for the 2026 TechGirls Summer Exchange Program for eligible and high-performing Nigerian girls with a strong interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The TechGirls Program 2026 is a fully funded international exchange opportunity that covers travel, accommodation, feeding, health insurance, and all program-related costs for selected participants to study and train in the United States of America (USA).
Scholarship Summary
- Host: U.S. Department of State
- Host Country: United States of America (USA)
- Category: Exchange Programs | STEM Scholarships | Summer Programs
- Eligible Country: Nigeria
- Eligible Age: 15–17 years
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Round-trip Airfare | Accommodation | Feeding | Health Insurance | Living Stipend
- Program Date: July 11 – August 2026
- Deadline: Not Stated
Scholarship Details
The TechGirls Summer Exchange Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is a prestigious internationalexchange initiative created to bridge the gender gap in science and technology by empowering young women with practical STEM skills, leadership training, and global exposure. The program brings together outstanding girls from Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, alongside peers from the United States, to participate in intensive academic and cultural activities.
For the 2026 edition, selected participants will embark on a 23-day immersive experience in the United States, featuring hands-on STEM workshops at Virginia Tech University, job-shadowing opportunities in major innovation hubs such as Seattle or Austin, and educational visits to Washington, D.C. Following their return, participants will receive seven months of structured mentorship to design and implement a Community Action Project (CAP) aimed at promoting STEM education among girls in their local communities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the TechGirls Summer Exchange Program, applicants must:
- Be a citizen and current resident of Nigeria
- Be 15–17 years old as of July 11, 2026
- Demonstrate a strong interest in STEM subjects, especially technology
- Show academic ability and engagement in STEM-related school or extracurricular activities
- Plan to pursue further studies or a career in STEM or technology-related fields
- Possess intermediate to advanced English language skills
- Exhibit maturity, leadership potential, adaptability, and openness to new cultures
- Commit to returning to Nigeria to complete at least one more school term
- Be willing to design and lead a community-based STEM project after the program
- Have limited or no prior U.S. exchange experience in the last three years
- Not be a family member of U.S. Embassy staff, U.S. Government employees, or program partners
- Not be a dual U.S. citizen living outside the United States
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the TechGirls Program 2026 will receive:
- Round-trip international airfare from Nigeria to the USA
- U.S. visa application fees
- Accommodation in university dormitories and vetted host families
- Daily meals throughout the program
- Local transportation within the United States
- Emergency health and accident insurance
- Cultural activities, excursions, and educational tours
- A living stipend to cover incidental expenses
- Seven months of post-program virtual mentorship and leadership support
Required Documents
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Most recent academic transcript or school result
- A clear passport-style photograph
- Completed essay responses written in English
- All application materials must be original (AI-generated or plagiarized content leads to disqualification)
How to Apply
To apply for the TechGirls Summer Exchange Program 2026:
- Visit the official TechGirls Application Portal
- Create an account and carefully complete the online application form
- Upload all required documents in the appropriate format
- Answer all essay questions honestly and in your own words
- Review your application thoroughly before submission
- Submit early, as only the first 125 completed applications per country will be reviewed
- Wait for feedback; shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in 2026
To begin the application process, click HERE
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