IT-oLogy is pleased to announce that the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Award for Aspirations in Computing has opened for applications from high school-aged girls. The Aspirations Award was created to encourage the computing aspirations of young women, introduce them to leadership opportunities in the field, and generate visibility for women’s participation in technology fields.
Winners are acknowledged for their outstanding aptitude and interest in technology and computing, leadership ability, academic history, and plans for post-secondary education. Students can find more information and register at https://www.aspirations.org/user/register.
The application period begins September 1, 2015 and will close November 9, 2015 at 11:59 pm.
Although women represent more than half the professional workforce and earn more than half of all undergraduate degrees, they hold just 25% of all computing occupations and earn only 18% of undergraduate computing degrees. This Award, part of the Aspirations in Computing Talent Pipeline Program, closes the gender gap in technology by identifying young women with computing aspirations and achievements and encouraging them to pursue technical careers. The Aspirations in Computing Program provides young women with prizes from national and local sponsors, recognition in their communities, opportunities for scholarships and internships, and access to a community of like-minded, up-and-coming technical women.
The Aspirations in Computing Awards South Carolina affiliates are IT-oLogy, Winthrop University and Columbia College.