I never would have guessed that I would have the opportunity to present my research and initiative to increase the number of females in STEM fields to the European Parliament at the ITU Tech Needs Girls Conference in Brussels.

I wasn't quite sure what to make of it all as I timidly approached the check-in table. Dressed up, with my parents and incredible STEM mentor there to support me, I joined the flock of other girls and their families rapidly gathering. I was still in awe of being chosen as a Colorado Aspirations Affiliate winner, and I was pretty excited about the opportunities the award and the organization would open up for me. As I told the event coordinator who I was, I was immediately greeted by ample amiable smiles and words of congratulations.

Aspirations in Computing is excited to announce a new partnership with PiggyBackr to help young women fund their technology projects – from raising money for a robotics team, to building a mobile application, or launching a new venture! PiggyBackr is a fundraising website that teaches youth how to raise money for their teams, schools, and projects online. The PiggyBackr website makes it easy for teams or individuals to raise money from friends, family, and business, get motivated, and have fun.

Aspirations in Computing is excited to announce a new partnership with PiggyBackr to help young women fund their technology projects – from raising money for a robotics team, to building a mobile application, or launching a new venture! PiggyBackr is a fundraising website that teaches youth how to raise money for their teams, schools, and projects online. The PiggyBackr website makes it easy for teams or individuals to raise money from friends, family, and business, get motivated, and have fun.

On March 7th, NCWIT hosted a Young Women in Technology Social at the NYC FIRST Robotics competition in partnership with Bloomberg. Around 150 young women and their coaches, parents, and mentors gathered to connect with each other, network with developers and industry leaders, and learn about Aspirations in Computing Program – and enjoy some delicious cupcakes.

This past summer has been an amazing time for me to broaden my experience in technology. After winning the New York Tri-State Affiliate Award this year, I decided that I would delve deeper into the two areas that I like best: website design and game programming. I joined an advanced game programming class in June, which allowed me to expand my knowledge of graphic user interfaces as well as the creation of “smart” computer opponents in Python.

Kimberly A. is a recipient of the 2010-11 North Carolina Award for Aspirations in Computing. She is a senior and plans to study computer programming and chemical engineering in college.

Samantha S. is a recipient of both the 2010-11 Massachusetts and the National Award for Aspirations in Computing. She is very interested in robotics and plans to continue that pursuit in college.

(Kimberly): What's the best part(s) of being an Aspirations Award-winner?

On August 21, 2012 I was given the opportunity to travel to the White House. But this wasn't your ordinary stand outside the gate and take pictures kind of a trip. This was an experience that many only dream about when it comes to getting a glimpse of what lies behind the gates.

My experience as an Aspirations Award Winner has been a great and constantly rewarding one. I have loved computer science and computers in general since I was a little kid. Having had no professional training, I was so surprised to be a winner of the Tennessee Affiliate of NCWIT's Award for Aspirations in Computing competition, but I was also very grateful for the chance.