Call for participation in U.S TechWomen programme
Alade Abiodun
TechWomen, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has invited applications from emerging women leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM.)
Participants will be drawn from the Middle East and Africa together with their counterparts in the United States for the professional mentorship and exchange program in the Fall of this year.
Applicants must be women who are permanent residents of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
Deadline for interested participants in the programme scheduled for Fall of 2013 is February 22.
The program will identify approximately 80 women who are emerging leaders and entrepreneurs working in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) from the Middle East & Africa for a five-week program including mentorships and professional exchanges at leading companies in Silicon Valley, California, concluding with workshops, networking events and meetings in Washington, D.C.
During the five-week program, participants engage in project-based mentorships at leading companies in Silicon Valley, participate in workshops and networking events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and travel to Washington, D.C. for targeted meetings and special events to conclude the program.
Each Emerging Leader will be paired with a Professional Mentor who works closely with the participant to design and carry out a project at the host company. The Professional Mentor offers guidance and support throughout the mentorship. Emerging Leaders also participate in professional enrichment activities that include leadership and entrepreneurship workshops, technology seminars and networking events.
Each TechWomen Emerging Leader will also be paired with a Cultural Mentor who facilitates activities to deepen mutual understanding and help the participant acclimate to the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley culture. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour national landmarks while in Washington, D.C.
Past activities have included sightseeing, art exhibits, sporting events, and visits to local universities.
Participants are women who are engaged or rising in professional careers that require significant expertise and knowledge of STEM fields and/or innovative application of these skills, and who already are —or show promise of being— role models for women and girls.
Preference will be given to applicants Who have demonstrated themselves as emerging leaders in STEM fields; have limited or no prior experience in the United States; have a record of voluntary or public service in their communities; have demonstrated entrepreneurialism and commitment to innovation.
While participating in the program, applicants are not permitted to apply for immigrant visa to the United States, or participated in a visa lottery in the past five years and not hold U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. legal permanent resident.
TechWomen, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs was launched by the outgoing Secretary of State of the United States of America, Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2011, with the vision of “smart power diplomacy” embracing the full range of diplomatic tools, including technology, to bring people together for greater understanding and to empower women and girls worldwide.
Interested participants should visit www.techwomen.org/how-to-apply/ or send e-mail to techwomen@iie.org.
