The NCWIT AspireIT Impact Award honors Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Community members who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary for their incredible work to ultimately encourage K-16 girls to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas to future innovations. Award recipients are selected based on their efforts to build and creatively offer hands-on learning opportunities in computing and career exploration, and to bring together advocates and allies of various backgrounds through computing-related events and community groups. 

The NCWIT AspireIT Impact Award is supported by Amazon, Apple, Google, Northrop Grumman, DoD STEM, and RBC Capital Markets.

Applications Are Open

Eligibility

Applicants who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary are welcome to apply, if they meet all of the following criteria:

• They are a member of the Aspirations in Computing (AIC) Community. 

• They are 13 years of age or older.

• They are not an NCWIT employee and have no immediate family relationship with employees, extended staff, contractors, or board members of NCWIT (including spouses, siblings, children, grandchildren, and persons residing in the same household).

• They are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or individual who meets the requirements of the substantial presence test.

• They have a U.S. Tax Identification or Social Security Number.

Selection will be based on an individual’s contribution to work that:

• connects communities of technical women of all ages

• creates opportunities to participate in computing for marginalized populations including girls, non-binary, or students of BIPOC heritage

• exhibits strong near-peer mentorship or peer-led leadership models

• promotes and expands computing career pathways and opportunities in the local community

Prizes

Each of the 30 award recipients will receive the following:

• Up to 30 awardees will receive $500 in cash.

• an AspireIT Impact Award certificate

• All awardees will be recognized at AiC websites and featured on AiC social media, and their accomplishments will be shared with our partners and sponsors.

Application Details

AiC Community Members must first log their programs and events using the NCWIT Activity Tracker. (We recommend referencing the AiC Community Activity Tracker Guide prior to logging your activities to better understand what information NCWIT is requesting.)

From there, applicants will then be eligible to begin the application process and will need to submit their completed application by the June 1, 2021 deadline.

Applicants will need to submit a short essay that encompasses their work, as well as short videos that speak about their efforts in a compelling way.

You may want to review the Impact Award Application Guide.

If you know an Aspirations in Computing Community member that you think should apply for this award, please tell us about them using this short form, and we will reach out to encourage their application.

Additional Rules

Award recipients may be required to submit additional paperwork, including an affidavit and IRS Form W9, at NCWIT’s discretion. Failure by Award recipients and/or her parent(s) or guardian(s) to return required paperwork within the allotted time may result in forfeiture of all awards hereunder. 

To the extent required by law, NCWIT will report the value of the gift/reward/prize expenses to the IRS on Form 1099. Taxes, where applicable, are the responsibility of the Award recipient.