Southwest Florida Affiliate
Hello!
The Aspirations in Computing (AiC) program opens pathways into careers in technology from K-12 through career. AiC recognizes and celebrates students' technical aspirations and abilities, as well as the educators who support them, and provides an expansive network to help these computing students succeed in the field.
The Southwest Florida Affiliate is focused on providing technical girls and women with ongoing engagement, visibility, and encouragement for their computing-related interests and achievements from high school through college and into the workforce. AiC Community members are supported by their peers, volunteers, and NCWIT Alliance member organizations to offer access to scholarships, internships, and professional work. Community members also give back to others by planning and leading computing experiences for middle school girls and high school women. These opportunities allow Aspirations in Computing community members to strengthen their leadership, technical, and entrepreneurial skills, further preparing and motivating them to participate in the digital workforce. NOTE: This focus may change in 2025-26 based on guidance from the State of Florida and the National Center for Women in Information Technology (NCWIT). Follow us on LinkedIn!
Young women currently in 9th-12th grade and interested in computing and technology OR in college with a technical major/minor are invited to join the AiC Community and apply for an Aspirations in Computing Award. Educators are also encouraged to apply given the importance of their role in encouraging their students along the way!
The Southwest Affiliate serves the Greater Fort Myers and Sarasota areas (inclusive of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties).
2024-25 Academic Year - Timeline:
- September 1: 2024-25 high school, collegiate, and educator application window opens
- November 8: 2024-25 high school application window closes, parent approval (<18) & teacher endorsements (opt) due by 11/11
- November 18: 2024-25 collegiate application window closes
- December 2: 2024-25 educator application window closes
- December 20: National Honorees Selected (Honorees will be notified by 1/10/25)
- February 3: Regional Honorees Selected (Honorees will be notified at that time)
- April 5: 2025 Aspirations in Computing Awards Event - see slideshow HERE
- 2025 Impact Report Published - check it out HERE
- Year round opportunities to engage within the regional and national Aspirations in Computing Community!
Affiliate Leadership:
- Executive Director: Laura Schmidt, [email protected], (414) 732 9668
- Awards Event: Dr. Tracey Lanham (Collier County)
- Student & Alumni Outreach: Aimée Jasso (Lee County)
- Impact Reporting: Amanda Dickson (Lee County)
- Career Coaching: Ashleigh Droz (Lee County)
- Grants & Sponsorships: Priya Ahluwalia (Charlotte County)
NOTE: We would love to engage a leader within DeSoto, Hendry, Glades and Sarasota Counties - please reach out if interested!
College Intern:
- Data Analyst: Kayla Schmidt, University of Tampa, Major: Business Information Technology
2024-2025 Sponsors:
Gold:
- Florida Southwestern State College (Event Host)
Silver:
- B&I Contractors: Building systems to empower the future!
Bronze:
- SWFL Tech: Uniting and promoting the tech sector in sunny Southwest Florida!
- MoAloo Ventures: We bring ideas to life!
Note: Additional support provided by NCWIT Headquarters (Boulder, CO)
2024-2025 Community Partners, Brand Ambassadors and Volunteers:
- Application Reviewers include representatives from SWFL Tech, SWFL Tech Alliance, Horizon Council Stem to Career Committee, and the Fort Myers chapter of Women in Technology & Entrepreneurship
- The SWFL Affiliate thanks our RAM (Zoe Levitt) and the Wisconsin Affiliate (Joe Kmoch) for their amazing mentorship and support throughout the year!
Please reach out if you would like to join us as a volunteer and/or support our efforts by acting as a tech talent pipeline sponsor.