FY 2024 TechWomen

Background
The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Global Leaders Division, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposal submissions for the FY 2024 TechWomen program to empower, connect, and support the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The exchange program uses a mentorship model to support emerging STEM leaders from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Grant Details
The TechWomen program aims to link approximately 100-110 female participants with female peer mentors in the United States for a five- to six-week mentorship program. The mentoring experience focuses on advancing the status of professional women in STEM industries through project-based peer mentorships, skill building, networking opportunities, and enhancement activities.

The program also includes follow-on activities in the participants’ home countries that inspire and encourage girls and university-age women interested or working in STEM-based careers. Additionally, it supports former participants of the program (“alumnae”). The overall goals include empowering emerging leaders to advocate for their rights and reach their full potential in the science and technology industries; creating and maintaining a sustainable professional network of support for women in STEM industries; developing the field of technology; enhancing U.S. science and technology companies’ understanding of challenges in other countries; providing women in STEM industries with tools to advance their careers; expanding girls’ interest in STEM careers; and increasing mutual understanding between key networks of professionals in different parts of the world.

Eligibility Requirements
Participants must be women residing in specific countries/territories who are engaged in professional careers requiring significant STEM expertise/knowledge and who are role models for others in their countries. Participants must have at least two years of work experience in a field involving science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required. Up to five participant slots must be set aside for eligible TechGirls exchange program alumnae.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for the FY 2024 TechWomen program is from January 5, 2024, to May 30, 2026.

Grant Value
$3,930,000 is awarded for the overall FY 2024 TechWomen program, with $850,000 supporting the Alumnae Summit.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed in Europe (Albania and Montenegro), Sub-Saharan Africa (Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Zimbabwe), South and Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan), and Middle East and North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya,Morocco,Palestinian Territories,Tunisia).