The United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs started TechWomen as a ground on which women who wanted to get into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields (STEM) would get guidance to make their dreams come true. The initiative was also started to increase mutual understanding between the U.S and people of other countries to aside in peaceful relations.
TechWomen Mentorship Program aims to empower, connect and support the next generation of women leaders through providing them with access and opportunities they need to pursue these careers and dreams.
TechWomen was launched in June 2011 and was launched by 37 participants, among them Algeria, Egypt, Morocco among others. Now, the initiative has a presence all across the world, from Africa, to the Middle East, from Central to South Asia. Participants from 20 countries from these continents are recognized for their achievements and potential to excel in STEM. The program will also be expanding in the U.S in 2023, with mentorship opportunities set to be based in Chicago.
Through TechWomen, you gain mentorship and exchange as the program provides increased understanding between professionals in STEM and the mentees, and expands young girl’s interest in STEM careers through exposing them to female role models.
Qualifications
To qualify to apply to join TechWomen, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Be a woman with at least two-years full-time professional experience in STEM fields.
- Have a minimum of bachelor’s degree or four-year university degree.
- Have a proficiency for speaking and writing in English.
- Not hold a U.S citizenship or be a U.S legal permanent resident
- Not have previously applied for an immigrant visa to the U.S over the past five years
- Be eligible for the U.S J-1 exchange visitor visa.
Currently, applications are close, but you can find out more information on TechWomen here.