Africa Get Ready! TechWomen Is Accepting Applications
TechWomen was formed as a platform for professional mentorship and exchange program. It was established by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; in response to President Obama’s effort to revamp the relationship between the United States and North Africa and Middle East.
TechWomen is currently accepting applications to women interested in participating in its professional mentorship and exchange program. Application will be reviewed by independent selection committees made up of industry leaders and regional experts. Those who make it to semifinals may be interviewed by U.S. Embassy personnel their respective countries of permanent residence.
2015 TechWomen Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be WOMEN with the following minimum qualifications: two-year full-time professional experience in any STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
- Must have a bachelor’s degree/ 4-year university degree or equivalent.
- Proficient in both written and spoke English.
- Must be a citizen and a 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.
- Must be eligible to obtain the S. J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.
- Must not have applied for an immigrant visa to the United States or participated in a visa lottery in the last 5-years.
- Must not be a holder of U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. legal permanent resident.
Candidates who fit the following criteria will be given preference:
- Have demonstrated themselves as emerging leaders in their chosen professional track through their work experience, volunteer experience, community activities and education.
- Are strongly driven to return to their home countries and share their training and mentorship with women and girls in their communities.
- Have a limited or no prior experience in the United States.
- Have demonstrated themselves as volunteers or public service workers 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.
Applicants with diverse backgrounds and skills are especially encouraged to apply, including individual with any disabilities. Self-driven women with a strong commitment to addressing problems such as global climate change and other environmental issues are also strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants that make it to the semifinals will be contacted via email for in-country interviews in April and May 2015. Successful applicants will be chosen in May 2015; all applicants will be notified of their application process.
Semifinalists will be required to provide two letters of recommendations during their interview at their countries respective U.S. Embassies. Applicants are advised to identify their recommenders beforehand in order to be ready in the event they make it to the semifinals. The recommendation letters must meet the following requirements:
- 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.