TechGirls
TechGirls, a U.S. Department of State initiative, is an international exchange program designed to empower young girls to pursue careers in the science and technology sectors. In July 2011, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced the launch of TechGirls–a three-week, intensive youth exchange "to encourage innovation and promote the spread of new technologies to give women and girls the support that they need to become leaders in this field."
TechGirls aims to inspire girls from the Middle East and North Africa to pursue higher education and careers in technology through hands-on skills development, such as programming, robotics, mobile application building, web design, video graphics, and 3D game design. In June 2012, 25 teen-age girls (ages 15-17) from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, and Yemen will travel to the United States for the inaugural three-week exchange. While in the United States, the TechGirls will participate in an interactive technology and computer camp, visit technology companies, and participate in community service initiatives.
TechGirls builds on Secretary Clinton’s vision of "smart power," which embraces a full range of diplomatic tools – including technology – to foster greater understanding. The TechGirls exchange is modeled after TechWomen, a mentoring program that pairs international participants with American women leaders in technology fields.
The U.S. State Department is partnering with Legacy International for the implementation of TechGirls.
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