In a constantly evolving and complex world of innovation, science, and technology, it’s more vital than ever to recognize the value and contributions women bring to the table.
In the past two decades, the global community has made tremendous efforts in engaging women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
One notable initiative that empowers, connects, and assists the next generation of female leaders in STEM is the TechWomen Emerging Leaders Program.
Are you a woman in tech? If yes, why not apply for TechWomen 2022, as your own way of choosing to challenge the gender gap in the industry in celebration of International Women’s Day.
What’s TechWomen?
It is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs that was launched in 2011.
TechWomen aims to provide tech women from Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East the access and opportunity necessary to pursue their dreams, scale their careers, and inspire women and girls in their societies.
Being a mentorship and exchange program, TechWomen builds up participants’ professional capacity, establishes a mutual understanding between key networks of professionals, and increases young girls’ interest in STEM careers by exposing them to female role models.
TechWomen encourages people with diverse backgrounds and skills to apply, including individuals with disabilities.
What you should expect
TechWomen pairs emerging women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from selected regions together with their professional counterparts in the United States for training, mentorship, and exchange program.
It also provides participants access to networks, resources, and knowledge to empower them to reach their full potential.
During the course of the rigorous five-week program, participants will 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.
Benefits
Covered Costs
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.
Participants are responsible for the cost of any non-program activities such as independent sightseeing and cultural events, as well as any non-program-related domestic or international travel.
Housing
- TechWomen participants will be housed in San Francisco or Sunnyvale, California, depending on the location of the participant’s host company.
Bear in mind that the program will not accommodate participants’ spouses, children, or other dependents.
Requirements
To qualify, you must
- Be a woman with, at least, two years of full-time professional experience in the STEM fields. Note that internships and other unpaid work experiences do not count toward the two-year professional experience requirement;
- Be a citizen and permanent resident of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan or Zimbabwe at the time of application and while participating in the program;
- Have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree/four-year university degree or its equivalent;
- Be proficient in written and spoken English;
- Be eligible to obtain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa;
- 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;
- Not hold U.S. citizenship or be a U.S. legal permanent resident.
Preference will be given to applicants who
- Exhibit leadership skills 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;
- Display a willingness to take part in exchange programs, welcome opportunities for mentoring and new partnership development, and exhibit confidence and maturity.
Selection process
Applications are selected based on eligibility requirements after which they 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.
To apply, complete the Spring 2022 TechWomen application here and submit it electronically.
Application Timeline
The deadline for the Spring 2022 TechWomen application will close on 09:00 AM PDT (GMT-07:00), Wednesday, May 5, 2021.
Semifinalists will be contacted via email in/around July 2021. Final decisions will be made no later than September 30, 2021. All applicants will be notified of the results of their application.
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