About
Aspirations in Computing is a talent development pipeline initiative of the National Center for Women & IT (NCWIT) designed to increase women's meaningful participation in computing careers by providing encouragement, visibility, community, leadership opportunities, scholarships, and internships to high potential technically inclined young women. Aspirations in Computing is the only national level talent development program for young women in computing and information technology.
The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing program engages young women interested in technology and computing. By generating visibility for these young women in their local communities, the program encourages their continued interest in computing, attracts the attention and support of educational and corporate institutions, and emphasizes at a personal level the importance of women's participation in computing and IT.
About the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing:
The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing honors young women at the high-school level for their computing-related achievements and interests. Awardees are selected for their computing and IT aptitude, leadership ability, academic history, and plans for post-secondary education. The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing offers both a national and local "affiliate" competitions to generate support and visibility for women's participation in communities nationwide.
Applications are accepted from September 15 - October 31 each year. Award recipients are notified in early December and award events take place around the country December through May. To apply, girls must register online. Click here to begin registration. You can register anytime and will be notified when applications open.
The Award for Aspirations in Computing is open to all high school girls residing in the US and you may re-apply each year. You may only receive the National award once.
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National Award-winners receive:
- $500 in cash
- a laptop computer, provided by Bank of America
- a trip to attend the Bank of America Technology Showcase and Awards Ceremony in Charlotte, North Carolina
- an engraved crystal award for both the student and the student's school
Affiliate Award-winners receive an engraved award for their home and school, and a range of great prizes from local sponsors. Visit Find a Competition to see details on local Affiliate Award programs.
Get more info and spread the word!
- Award Info Sheets in English (1 Pager | 2 Pager)
- Award Info Sheets in Spanish (1 Pager | 2 Pager)
- 2012-2013 Award Poster
- Award Flyer (English | Spanish)
- Award Advertisement (Color | Black/White) (Drop in this jpg to advertise the award in print or online media)
- Executive Summary
- Program Report
- Check out the event photos!
- Like the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing on Facebook for all the latest info.
The Aspire IT Middle School Outreach Program is a series of pilot programs designed for middle school girls by Aspirations in Computing Award recipients. Aspire IT programs can be after-school programs or clubs, weekend summits or workshops, and/or summer camps.
Aspire IT Middle School Outreach 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.
Inspired by several programs that are already underway, the initial pilot will lay the groundwork for the future of this exciting initiative, where near-peer program leaders will share their passion for computing to expose middle school girls to, and educate them about, future careers in computing and information technology.
