TechWomen, an
initiative of the U.S. Department of State, brings emerging women leaders in
science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from Africa, South and
Central Asia, and the Middle East together with their professional counterparts
in the United States for a mentorship and exchange program based in San
Francisco. During the five-week program, participants engage in project-based
mentorships at leading companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon
Valley.
TechWomen
are accepting applications for the 2017 program
until January 17, 2017. They are looking for women who have demonstrated
themselves as emerging leaders in their chosen profession, through their work
experience, volunteer experience, community activities and education. Please
consider forwarding this message to your pertinent networks. Flyers in multiple
languages, as well as suggested tweets and social media posts, are available here.
TechWomen’s mission is centered on
empowering and supporting change agents around the world. I deeply appreciate
your help in sharing this opportunity.
The deadline to apply is 09:00AM
PST (GMT-08:00), Janurary 17, 2017.
Selection Process
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.
2017
TechWomen Eligibility Requirements
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,
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 or participated in
a 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.
Women committed to addressing concerns
of global climate change and environmental issues are particularly encouraged
to apply.
Selection Timeline
The 2017 TechWomen application will be
open November 15, 2016, through January
17, 2017. Semifinalists will be contacted via email in/around March 2017.
Final decisions will be made no later than early May 2017. All applicants will
be notified of the results of their application.