TechWomen aims to empower, connect and support the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), providing them with 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 to advancing the rights and participation of women and girls around the world, enabling them to reach their full potential in the technology industry.

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

How we do it

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 mentoring and exchange programme. TechWomen provides participants with access to networks, resources and knowledge so that they can reach their full potential.

During the five-week programme, participants take part in project-based mentoring at leading companies in the San Francisco Bay Area, participate in professional development workshops and networking events, and travel to Washington, DC. for specific meetings and special events to conclude the programme.

Over the last seven years, more than 600 women from Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Yemen and Zimbabwe have taken part in TechWomen.

Mentoring around the world

The TechWomen experience doesn't end in California or Washington, DC. After the programme, Emerging Leaders and mentors have the opportunity to reconnect during delegation trips to programme countries in Africa, South and Central Asia and the Middle East. The programme focuses on expanding networks of women in STEM fields, creating and strengthening partnerships, encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers and ensuring the sustainability of mentor-colleague relationships.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Mentoring projects

The foundation of the TechWomen programme is a four-week professional mentorship in a company, organisation or institution in the San Francisco Bay Area or Silicon Valley. During the mentorship, strong bonds are formed that inspire a rich exchange of ideas and knowledge. Before arriving in the United States, each Emerging Leader and their Professional Mentor design a collaborative project based on the Emerging Leader's professional goals. Four days a week, for four weeks, the Emerging Leader and the Mentor work together on the project at the Mentor's company. The projects vary according to the areas of specialisation and interests of each Emerging Leader, as well as the needs of the host company.

Professional tracks

To facilitate rewarding and relevant professional experiences for TechWomen Emerging Leaders, each participant is invited to choose a TechWomen track based on her area of specialisation and interest. This track is used to help match the Emerging Leader with a host company that aligns with her career interests and professional experience. The tracks also offer a sense of community, while making it easier to identify like-minded professionals and foster new connections.

Each candidate must select a track during the application process. Applicants are encouraged to choose the track that best suits their area of specialisation and interest. The following tracks are offered for the TechWomen 2018 programme:

• Biotechnology
• Green/clean technology
• Information technology
• Internet
• Science
• Telecommunications

In addition to Track-specific programming, TechWomen Emerging Leaders participate in activities across all programmes, such as leadership seminars and entrepreneurship workshops, serve on panels at community events, and network with industry leaders.

Trip to Washington, D.C.

The TechWomen programme concludes with a week of meetings and special events in the nation's capital, Washington D.C. Professional and Cultural Mentors are invited to join the group in Washington, D.C.

Past events in Washington D.C. have included:

• Visits to technology companies
• Meetings with STEM-focused public policy organisations
• Specific discussions at the US State Department
• Formal lunch in honour of TechWomen at the US State Department
• Visit to the White House
• Monument and city tour

CULTURAL EXCHANGE

Cultural Mentors

As a complement to the professional development programme, each participant has the opportunity to meet Cultural Mentors to ease the transition of working and living in a new country and explore the Bay Area together.

Cultural Mentors serve as ambassadors and expose participants to local attractions, special events, community service opportunities and cultural experiences.

Examples of cultural enrichment activities from the past:

• Attend a symphony or opera performance
• Travelling art exhibitions and museums
• Take a road trip to Yosemite National Park
• Visit a local secondary school
• Cooking together for dinner at a Cultural Mentor's house

Group Cultural Events

TechWomen Cultural Mentors foster relationships and collectively plan activities for Emerging Leaders to explore the Bay Area and its rich culture and wealth of activities to enjoy. Each TechWomen Cultural Mentor works within a small activity group to collaboratively plan and facilitate events/activities for Emerging Leaders based on specific areas of interest:

• Outdoors: e.g. hiking, camping, picnics, visits to the beach, neighbourhood walks
• Professional enrichment: e.g. networking events, speaker series, panels, meetings of young professionals
• Arts: e.g. theatre, dance and music performances, art galleries, museums
• Culinary excursions: e.g. off the grill, tasting new cuisines, Ghirardelli Square

The opportunity is about

Agriculture, Biology & Animal Science Chemistry Computers & IT Economics & Business Energy Engineering Environment Geography & Outer Space History & Anthropology Medicine, Nursing & Psychology Physics & Maths.

Eligibility

Applicants must be from:

Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Authority, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe

Description of the Ideal Candidate

TechWomen participants are selected on the basis of the eligibility requirements below. Applications are analysed by independent selection committees made up of industry leaders and regional experts. Semi-finalists may be interviewed by US Embassy staff in their country of permanent residence.

TechWomen Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must:

• Be women with at least two years of full-time professional experience in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and maths). Note that internships and other unpaid work experience do not count towards the two-year work experience requirement.
• Have at least 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, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan or Zimbabwe at the time of application and during their participation in the programme.
• Be eligible to obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa from the United States.
• Not having applied for an immigrant visa to the United States (other than the Diversity Immigrant Visa, also known as the "visa lottery") in the last five years.
• Not have US citizenship or be a legal permanent resident of the US.

Preference will be given to candidates who:

• Demonstrate themselves as emerging leaders in their chosen career path through their work experience, volunteering experience, community activities and education.
• They are committed to returning to their countries of origin to share what they have learnt and to mentor women and girls.
• They have little or no previous experience in the United States.
• They have a proven record of voluntary or public service in their communities.
• They have a proven track record of entrepreneurship and commitment to innovation.
• Demonstrate a willingness to participate in exchange programmes, welcome mentoring opportunities and the development of new partnerships, and show confidence and maturity.

TechWomen encourages people with diverse backgrounds and abilities to apply, including individuals with disabilities.

Selection timeline

The Fall 2023 TechWomen application closes at 09:00 PST (GMT-08:00), Friday 13 January 2023. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application (not selected or semi-finalists) by 30 April 2023 at the latest. Semi-finalists will be contacted for an in-country interview by 2023 April at the latest. Final decisions will be made by 31 May 2023 at the latest. All applicants will be notified of the results of their application.

Cost/funding for participants

Costs covered

The following costs are covered by the TechWomen programme:

• International return airfare from the participant's home country to the United States
• Domestic airfare from San Francisco or Chicago to Washington, D.C.
• Accommodation in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, California, Emeryville, California or Chicago, Illinois, during the mentoring period
• Meals and incidents
• Hotel stay in Washington, D.C.
• Public transport to the participant's host company
• Local transport to group programme events in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.

Participants are responsible for the cost of any activities not related to the programme, such as sightseeing tours and independent cultural events, as well as any national or international trips not related to the programme.

Apply at Fall 2023 TechWomen - HeySuccess