TechGirls Application Review Panelists

January 21, 2026-February 18, 2026

(Dates subject to adjustment; Flexibility to accommodate school schedules.)

Call for Application Review Panelists

TechGirls is an international exchange program designed to expand the talent pipeline in STEM. The TechGirls team seeks short-term volunteers to join our application review panel helping select the brightest and best candidates for the 2026 summer U.S.-based program.

Are you…?

• Looking for an exciting, short-term volunteer opportunity that makes a big difference?

Someone who believes in equipping young innovators with the skills needed to excel in STEM?

• Passionate about international exchanges?

Responsibility

For either a seasoned professional or a young adult that is interested in international exchanges, this volunteer opportunity offers a way to meaningfully contribute to a transformative project serving international youth and gain some insights into how international exchanges are developed.

• Support the application review and selection process of the 2026 TechGirls cohort utilizing an online dashboard portal system.
• Review applications for technical eligibility and completeness.
• Impartially assess quality of applications against established criteria.
• Maintain confidentiality of applicants.

Key Qualifications

• Study, volunteer, or work experience in one or more of the TechGirls regions listed below
• Analytical capability
• Strong organizational skills
• Integrity, impartiality, and critical thinking, and an ability to identify one’s internal bias.
• An ability to work independently while also working collaboratively on a team given the remote nature of the position
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing as well as via varied communications platforms (Google Suite/Docs, Zoom, Skype Instant Messenger, etc.)
• Interest in or experience in STEM fields preferred.

Program Description

TechGirls is a U.S.-based summer exchange program designed to expand the talent pipeline in STEM. Young women (ages 15-17) from the United States and select countries gain valuable hands-on training leading them to pursue higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

In 2026, the program will support 111 young women from 37 participating countries/territories and 13 U.S. peers in a dynamic three-week U.S.-based experience with a seven-month mentoring program (including pre-and post-exchange).

The core of the TechGirls program is a 23-day experience in the United States. In partnership with Virginia Tech University, participants engage in an interactive tech camp that provides an in-depth examination of cutting-edge technologies and various educational and professional paths in STEM fields. Then, TechGirls travel to a city around the USA (Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, or Seattle) for community immersion and STEM career exploration. The TechGirls programming yields a multiplier effect as participants return home to conduct community-based projects with seven months of mentorship.

TechGirls is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Participating Countries: TechGirls participants are competitively recruited and selected from the following regions/countries and territories (pending embassy approval; 3 teens per country):

• Sub-Saharan Africa (AF) – Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia
• East Asia & Pacific (EAP) – Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Vietnam
• Europe & Eurasia (EUR) – Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Türkiye
• Middle East & North Africa (NEA) – Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia
• South & Central Asia (SCA) – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
• Western Hemisphere (WHA) – Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Suriname
• United States of America

Additional Details

• Hours & Compensation: This is a volunteer position. Schedule is determined by mutual agreement and discussed after one applies. We would like volunteers to commit to reviewing at least 150 applications during the 4-week review period, though there is no limit if you are able and willing to review more. We estimate that this could take you about 20-25-hours over the 4 weeks, or about 5-hours a week.
• Period will be January 21 - February 18, 2026
• Location: Virtual remote work

To Apply:

Step 1: Fill out the Application Review Panelist form

Step 2: Legacy will be in touch with a decision by January 9, 2026.

Step 3: If selected as an Application Review Panelist, you will attend one of two training sessions. The sessions will be held over Zoom on Thursday, January 15 at 6:00PM ET and Friday, January 16 at 12:00PM ET.

Deadline: January 6, 2026