PROGRAM OVERVIEW
TechWomen brings emerging women leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) from the Middle East and Africa together with their counterparts in the United States for a professional mentorship and exchange program. TechWomen connects and supports the next generation of women entrepreneurs in STEM fields by providing them access and opportunity to advance their careers and pursue their dreams.
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.
EMERGING LEADER APPLICATION
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 others in their countries, particularly for women.
TechWomen is accepting applications for the 2013 program from 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.
U.S.-BASED MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Professional Enrichment
Each Emerging Leader is paired with a Professional Mentor who works closely with the participant to design and implement a mutually beneficial 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.
Cultural Enrichment
Each TechWomen Emerging Leader is 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. Past activities have included sightseeing, art exhibits, sporting events, and visits to local universities. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour national landmarks while in Washington, D.C.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
An applicant must:
- Be a woman with a minimum of two years of full-time professional experience in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and/or a career requiring significant expertise/knowledge/application of technology;
- Have a university degree;
- Be proficient in written and spoken English;
- Demonstrate a willingness to participate in exchange programs, welcome opportunities for mentoring and new partnership development, and exhibit confidence and maturity;
- Be citizens or permanent residents of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, Yemen or Zimbabwe at the time of application, and while participating in the program;
- Not have applied for an immigrant visa to the United States, or participated in a visa lottery in the past five years;
- Be able to obtain a U.S. visa;
- Not hold U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. legal permanent resident.
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.
TechWomen is Seeking Applicants for the Fall 2013 Program! To apply to be a 2013 TechWomen Emerging Leader, please visit www.TechWomen.org
Application deadline: February 22nd, 2013
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