The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for the FY 2015 TechGirls program under the Youth Leadership Program model. Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to conduct a three- to four-week exchange program in the United States in summer 2015 for high school girls from the Middle East and North Africa focused on promoting high-level study of technology. U.S. Embassies in the participating countries and territories will recruit, screen, and select the participants. The program will provide an exchange of academic study of applied technology for girls who already have a demonstrated aptitude and strong interest in the subject, will empower girls to pursue higher education and careers in technology, and will support activities in the participantsÂ’ home countries that are designed to reinforce and support the skills and linkages acquired during the U.S. program. It is the BureauÂ’s intent to award a cooperative agreement for one base year plus two option years for an estimated total amount of $570,000.