FY 2018 TechGirls Central Asia Program

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The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for the FY 2018 TechGirls Central Asia Program. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to conduct a four-week exchange program in the United States in summer 2019 for approximately 25 high school girls from Central Asia focused on promoting the high-level study of technology. Echoing the goals of the TechWomen program, TechGirls supports development in the field of technology and enables young women to reach their full potential in the technology industry. The program builds on the U.S. global commitment to advance the rights of women and girls around the world and promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. It also fosters connections and understanding among the youth of the United States and the countries of Central Asia.The program will provide an exchange of academic study of applied technology for girls who already have a demonstrated aptitude and strong interest in the subject, empowering them to pursue higher education and careers in technology through hands-on skill development, and supporting them in the implementation of their required follow-on service projects in their home communities that are designed to reinforce and support the skills and linkages acquired during the U.S. program. U.S. embassies in the participating countries, with the support of the award recipient, will take the lead in recruiting eligible, English-speaking participants. The award recipient will create an online application and manage initial screening of applicants. U.S. embassies will interview semi-finalists, proposed by the award recipient, and make participant selections, with final approval by the ECA Program Office.

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