Aspirations in Computing is a talent development initiative of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT).  The program increases women’s participation in technology careers by providing encouragement, visibility, community, leadership opportunities, scholarships, and internships to aspiring technically inclined young women.  Since 2007, NCWIT has inducted more than 2,300 young women into this unique community. 

 

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. Recipients 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. For more information, please visit the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing microsite.

There are national and local awards throughout the country. Please visit the Apply page for more information.

Get Involved

Technical professionals, academics, college students and past award recipients (over age 18) are invited to volunteer with both local and national Aspirations in Computing programs. There are opportunities to become an Application Reviewer, an Affiliate Award Host, a Committee Member, or a Speaker at an event. Please visit the Volunteer page for more information.

Scholarships

NCWIT is excited to partner with colleges and universities across the country to offer Aspirations in Computing Award recipients unique scholarship opportunities. To see a list of schools offering scholarships, please visit the Aspirations Award Scholarships page. If you are interested in offering a scholarship, please contact aspirations@ncwit.org.

Aspirations in Computing Educator Award

In addition to identifying a pool of talented young women, the Aspirations in Computing Award also identifies outstanding educators who play a pivotal role in helping to encourage young women to continue exploring their interest in computing and technology. The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Educator Award recognizes educators for their efforts to promote gender equity in computing. For more information, please visit the Educator Award page.

AspireIT Middle School Outreach Program Pilot

The AspireIT middle school outreach program is a pilot program extension of Aspirations in Computing designed to increase the pool of young women entering high school excited to learn more about computing and information technology. AspireIT will help near-peer program leaders share their passion for computing by exposing middle school girls to Information Technology concepts and inviting them to explore this exciting field. For more information, please visit the AspireIT page.

Aspirations in Computing Community Initiative

Both analog and digital, the Aspirations in Computing community provides program participants with resources, connections to peers and supportive adults, visibility, presentation and speaking opportunities, and more.  Through sponsorship from Bloomberg, the over 2300 young women in the community are invited to engage in real-time reunions, meet-ups and gatherings around the country, in addition to virtual support such as webinars, early access to internship and job opportunities, technical projects and an exclusive online community just for technical young women.  To learn more, share internships or research opportunities, or to host a meet-up in your area, contact aspirations@ncwit.org.