Aspirations in Computing

NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) provides a long-term community for female technologists, from K-12 through higher education and beyond, encouraging persistence in computing through continuous engagement and ongoing encouragement at each pivotal stage of their educational and professional development. Thousands of technically inclined girls and women are offered opportunities to learn through computing-related activities, network at virtual and in-person meetups, receive visibility for technical achievements, and grow leadership and entrepreneurial skills by leading computing outreach programs in their local communities. Additionally, they gain exclusive access to scholarships, internships, and job opportunities. All of these benefits are made possible by NCWIT Alliance Members, AiC peers in the network, and adult influencers who serve as volunteers and mentors. This collective investment is making a considerable and sustainable impact on future technology and innovation by increasing women’s meaningful participation.

ASPIREIT K-12 OUTREACH PROGRAM

The AspireIT K-12 outreach program is a series of outreach programs designed for K-12 school girls by Aspirations in Computing Award recipients. AspireIT programs utilize the talents and skills of Aspiration in Computing Award recipients (from any year) in partnership with an NCWIT Academic or K-12 Alliance member. The program is so successful because it employs a "near-peer" approach that gives middle school girls a hands-in, inspiring introduction to technology from young women just a few years ahead of them in the pipeline.

AWARD FOR ASPIRATIONS IN COMPUTING

The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing builds a talent pool for the growing technical workforce and helps academic and corporate organizations celebrate diversity in computing by honoring young women at the high-school level for their computing-related achievements and interests. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing; leadership ability; academic history; and plans for post-secondary education.

ASPIRATIONS IN COMPUTING EDUCATOR AWARD

The Aspirations in Computing Educator Award identifies outstanding educators who play a pivotal role in encouraging young women to explore their interest in computing and technology, and recognizes these educators for their efforts to promote gender equity in computing. Over the past four years, more than 160 educators have been recognized and have received more than $150,000 in professional development funding to improve their computing education skills.

NCWIT COLLEGIATE AWARD

The NCWIT Collegiate Award, sponsored by HP and Qualcomm, honors the outstanding technical accomplishments of collegiate women at all levels. Conferred upon six students annually, the Award recognizes technical projects that demonstrate a high level of creativity and potential societal impact.

• $10,000 cash award
• An engraved trophy
• A trip to the award ceremony at the annual NCWIT Summit

Applicants must be a member of the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Community, currently attending an Academic Alliance Institution, and a computing major.

ASPIRATIONS IN COMPUTING COMMUNITY

The Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Community is a phenomenal network for technical women who receive benefits such as private invitations to virtual and in-person meetups, visibility for technical achievements, computing outreach programs in local communities for growing members’ leadership and entrepreneurial skills, hands-on activities for exploring computer science concepts, exclusive access to scholarships, internships, and job opportunities. The AiC Community is financially supported by Bloomberg and sponsored by Facebook with college entry point sponsorship and additional support by HPE and Qualcomm.