TechGirls
TechGirls is an international summer exchange program designed to empower and inspire young girls from Central Asia and the Middle East and North Africa to pursue careers in science and technology.
The centerpiece of the program is a weeklong technology camp that provides participants with an in-depth examination of technology-related topics, such as coding and cyber security and engages them in 45+ hours of hands-on instruction. The camp is complemented by additional activities such as site visits to technology companies, leadership clinics, community service opportunities, job shadowing, and cultural events. As part of program follow-on, the TechGirls implement at least one peer training program or service project within their schools and/or communities.
Since 1979, Legacy International equips emerging leaders to transform their values and vision into sustainable success. Training youth and professionals with an emphasis on creating new employment opportunities and supporting civic engagement is a foundation for all programming.
Over the last 40 years, Legacy International has addressed crucial community based issues on 5 continents, using the power and vision of women.
Legacy International's commitment to TechGirls began with the program’s inauguration in 2011. Since that time, with keen attention to cultural sensitivity, Legacy International has trained and mentored 158 young women from the Middle East and North Africa. Our methods emphasize qualities of leadership based on shared values that respect family customs; and at the same time are progressive to meet the needs of future leaders. Ask TechGirls' alumni what they have gained, and they will readily say LEADERSHIP, MOTIVATION, CONFIDENCE and a CAREER PATH in fields that they previously believed were out of reach.
Legacy International's tech instructional partner is the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech.
We also work in collaboration with IIE and TechWomen.
Legacy International manages a growing network of U.S. tech companies and NGOs who see the TechGirls program as one of the most impactful U.S. Department of State exchange programs. On average, we include 180 Americans of diverse backgrounds each year in meaningful interactions with the TechGirls as speakers, job shadow hosts, and trainers.
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