TechWomen empowers, connects and supports the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from Africa, Central and South Asia and the Middle East. The program provides women with access and opportunities needed to advance their careers, pursue their dreams, and inspire women and girls in their communities.
Through mentorship and exchange, TechWomen strengthens participants’ professional capacity, increases mutual understanding between key networks of professionals, and expands girls’ interest in STEM careers by exposing them to female role models.
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.
2017 TechWomen Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be women with a minimum of two years full-time professional experience in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Please note that internships and other unpaid work experience do not count toward the two-year professional experience requirement.
- Applicants must have a four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Applicants must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Applicants must be citizens and permanent residents from Africa, Central and South Asia and the Middle East at the time of application and during the program. The countries include Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe.
- Applicants must be eligible to obtain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa.
- Applicants must not have applied for an immigrant visa to the United States or participated in a visa lottery in the past five years.
- Applicants cannot be U.S. citizens or be permanent residents.
Preferences for Selecting Applicants
- Applicants must demonstrate themselves as emerging leaders in their chosen professional track through their work experience, volunteer experience, community activities and education.
- Applicants must be committed to return to their home countries to share what they have learned and mentor women and girls.
- Applicants must have limited or no prior experience in the United States.
- Applicants must have a proven record of voluntary or public service in their communities.
- Applicants must have a demonstrated track record of entrepreneurialism and commitment to innovation.
- Applicants must 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. Women committed to addressing concerns of global climate change and environmental issues are particularly encouraged to apply.
Selection Timeline
The 2017 TechWomen application closes on January 17, 2017. Semifinalists will be contacted via email in March 2017. Final decisions will be made no later than early May 2017. All applicants will be notified of the results of their application.
