TechWomen Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program 2024 (fully funded)
Applications are open for the TechWomen Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program. TechWomen is an Initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
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 by providing them the access and opportunity needed to advance their careers, pursue their dreams, and inspire women and girls in their communities.
About
From the moment the Emerging Leaders arrive, they are immersed in the innovative, constantly evolving culture of Silicon Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area or Chicago. Emerging Leaders work closely with their Professional Mentors to design meaningful projects while exploring the San Francisco Bay Area or Chicago with their Cultural Mentor and fellow program participants.
TechWomen Emerging Leaders will:
- Challenge themselves with new questions and concepts
- Collaborate with like-minded women in their fields on an innovative project
- Network with influential industry leaders
- Discover their own innovative leadership style
- Create meaningful friendships with women from all over the world
- Explore the diverse communities of the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.
- Inspire the next generation of women and girls in their home countries
Professional Development: Each Emerging Leader is paired with a Professional Mentor who works closely with her to carry out a project at the host company. Before the participant arrives in California or Illinois, she is in close contact with her Professional Mentor. Together, they work to design an exciting project of mutual interest. Emerging Leaders are based in the San Francisco Bay Area or Chicago depending on the location of their Professional Mentorship placement.
Cultural Enrichment: Each Emerging Leader also has the opportunity to explore the Bay Area or Chicago with Cultural Mentors who facilitate activities to deepen mutual understanding. Cultural Mentors take participants to local attractions, art exhibits, sporting events and local universities, among other local activities. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore San Francisco or Chicago and tour national landmarks while in Washington, DC
Impact Projects: Emerging Leaders form teams to design impact projects to make an impact in their respective communities. Impact Coaches will strategically advise groups for success in terms of content and design, and they will help connect the dots for groups to meet criteria and understand what makes a successful plan for potential seed grant funding.
TechWomen Eligibility Requirements
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.
Applicants must:
- Be women with, at minimum, two years full-time professional experience in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Please note that internships and other unpaid work experience does not count toward the two-year professional experience requirement.
- Have, at minimum, 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, 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.
- 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:
- Demonstrate themselves as emerging leaders 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.
- 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
Benefits
In addition to he professional development, cultural enrichment and impact project benefits of the TechWomen fellowship program, 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 or Chicago to Washington, D.C.
- Housing in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, California, Emeryville, California or Chicago, Illinois 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, Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.
Deadline: January 10, 2024
For more information, visit TechWomen fellowship program
See more opportunities
