Wednesday, 7 January 2015

The 2015 TechWomen program



TechWomen empowers, connects, and supports the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from Africa, Central 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.
Through mentorship and exchange, TechWomen strengthens participants’ professional capacity, increases mutual understanding between key networks of professionals, and expands girls’ interest in STEM careers by exposing them to female role models.
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.

2015 TechWomen Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must

  • Be women with, at minimum, two years full-time professional experience in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math)
  • 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, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen, 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 entrepreneurship 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

Semifinalists will be contacted via email for in-country interviews in April and May 2015. Final decisions will be made in May 2015. All applicants will be notified of the results of their application.
Recommendation Letters (Semifinalists Only)
Semifinalists who are invited to interview at the U.S. Embassy will be required to provide two letters of recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to identify their recommenders ahead of time in order to be prepared in the event that they are selected as semifinalists. Letters must
  • Be from an academic or professional reference, such as a former professor or employer/supervisor (At least one of the two letters must be from a professional reference such as a former or current employer/supervisor.)
  • Be on company/organization letterhead
  • Be signed by the recommender
Recommendation letters will be accepted from SEMIFINALISTS ONLY. Instructions for submission will be sent to semifinalists upon notification. 

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 Mountain View, California during the mentorship
  • Meals and incidentals
  • Hotel stay in Washington, D.C.
  • Ground 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.

Selection Timeline

  • December 16, 2014: Application opens
  • February 10, 2015: Application deadline
  • May 2015: Semifinalists may be contacted for interviews by local U.S. embassies and consulates
  • June 2015: All applicants notified of application status
  • October 2015: TechWomen program begins in San Francisco, CA
The deadline to submit this application is 23:59 Cairo time, Tuesday, February 10, 2015.  

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