Where does a sense of belonging come from? How does confidence grow? For more than 16,000 technical high school and college women, Aspirations in Computing (AiC) has been key to answering these questions. This welcoming, supportive community is the largest of its kind. With proven methods, NCWIT changes what’s possible for women in technology by offering the kind of encouragement that conquers isolation, builds in long-term motivation, opens doors—and changes lives.

Who we are

AiC uses exclusive awards, scholarships, internships, and professional opportunities to amplify voices, build identity, reward persistence, and recognize fortitude as women increase their technical, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills. Awarded a 2018 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, fully 90 percent of past AiC award winners report a college major or minor in a science, technology engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field.

AiC serves 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and all U.S. military bases overseas.

Getting involved

Whether searching for ways to engage, motivate, reward, or sustain the tech trajectory for girls and women, many educators, professionals, and students alike find that AiC can help with their goals.

• Are you a student? Join our community. You’ll be supported by a network of peers, volunteers, and NCWIT Alliance member organizations that offer exclusive access to scholarships, internships, and professional opportunities.
• Are you an educator? Find resources that help you plan and lead computing experiences for middle and high school students. Encourage students to join the community. Urge them to apply for an award. Or apply for the Educator Award yourself.
• Are you a professional? Post internship and job opportunities, and volunteer to review award applications.

Learn how to be a part of AiC.

Awards

Award for Aspirations in Computing

The NCWIT Award for AiC honors women in grades 9 through 12 who are active and interested in computing and technology, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award for AiC recipients are chosen for their demonstrated interest and achievements in computing, proven leadership ability, academic performance, and plans for post‑secondary education. To date, nearly 8,600 women have been honored with the Award for AiC. Find out more at https://www.aspirations.org/recognitions/AiCAward.

Aspirations in Computing Educator Award

The NCWIT AiC Educator Award publicly celebrates formal and informal educators who encourage high school women’s interest and participation in technology pursuits. To date, nearly 400 educators have been honored. Find out more at https://www.aspirations.org/recognitions/AiCEducatorAward.

Collegiate Award

The NCWIT Collegiate Award honors the outstanding computing accomplishments of undergraduate and graduate women. Conferred annually, the award recognizes technical contributions to projects that demonstrate a high level of creativity and potential impact. Find out more at https://www.aspirations.org/recognitions/AiCCollegiateAward.

Aspirations in Computing Community

The AiC Community is a phenomenal network for technical women who receive benefits such as private invitations to virtual and in-person meet-ups, 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. Find out more at www.aspirations.org/participate/college-students.

AspireIT K-12 Education Program

The AspireIT K-12 education program connects high school and college women with K-12 girls interested in computing. Using a near-peer model, program leaders teach younger girls fundamentals in programming and computational thinking in fun, creative environments that are supported by program partners from the NCWIT community. The relationship between the program leaders and their program partners fosters mentoring with technical professionals, increases young women’s confidence in their computing abilities, and develops valuable leadership skills. Find out more at www.aspirations.org/aspireit.