NCWIT Award For Aspirations in Computing High School Awards
Scholarship Sponsored by National Center for Women in Technology
Description The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) High School Award recognizes high school students for their achievements, interests, and potential in computing and technology. It celebrates students in grades 9–12 and encourages them to continue pursuing computing-related studies and careers. Recipients are chosen for demonstrated aptitude and clear aspirations in computing — through hands-on experience, extracurricular activities, leadership, persistence, and plans for the future.
Key takeaways:
- Honors students in grades 9–12 for computing-related achievement and interest.
- Encourages continued study and career pursuit in computing.
- Recognizes both demonstrated skills and future aspirations.
Award structure and reach AiC uses a multi-tiered award model with designations at both National and Regional Affiliate levels. Award titles include Winner, Honorable Mention, and Rising Star, enabling recognition at multiple levels of achievement. The program operates broadly across North America and associated U.S. territories through regional affiliates.
Key takeaways:
- Awards: Winner, Honorable Mention, Rising Star.
- Two levels: National and Regional Affiliate.
- Program reaches broad geographic areas via affiliates.
Eligibility The program is open to high school students who are actively involved in technology. Applicants who meet the stated requirements will be considered for both National and Regional Affiliate awards. Basic eligibility centers on grade level and engagement with computing activities.
Key takeaways:
- Open to students in grades 9–12.
- Applicants should be actively involved in technology or computing activities.
- Meeting eligibility enables consideration at both national and regional levels.
Selection criteria Recipients are selected on the strength of their computing aptitude and future aspirations. Evaluations consider computing experience, participation in computing-related activities, leadership roles, persistence through challenges, and concrete plans for continuing in computing. Selection is qualitative and focuses on demonstrated commitment and potential.
Key takeaways:
- Selection is based on demonstrated computing experience and activities.
- Leadership and persistence are explicitly considered.
- Reviewers look for clear future plans in computing.
Regional affiliates and locations Regional Affiliate Award programs expand local access and recognition; 79 affiliate locations host programs nationwide. The overall program serves the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam), U.S. overseas military bases, and Canada. Affiliates provide local outreach, application review, and regional award events.
Key takeaways:
- 79 regional affiliate locations host award programs.
- Geographic coverage includes U.S., territories, overseas bases, and Canada.
- Affiliates handle local outreach and recognition.
History and impact AiC has been recognizing young computing talent since 2007 and has awarded more than 25,000 students to date. The long-running program has created a recognizable pathway for high-school-aged technologists to gain visibility and support. The cumulative impact includes community-building, increased awareness of computing opportunities, and encouragement for continued technical study.
Key takeaways:
- Launched in 2007; over 25,000 recipients so far.
- Long-standing program with broad reach and sustained impact.
- Supports community growth and student advancement in computing.
Application requirements and approvals Applicants must join the AiC Community and meet several account and approval criteria before applying. Students must be at least 13 years old when creating an aspirations.org account. Applicants under 18 require parent/guardian approval by the stated deadline; applicants who are 18 or older may self-approve. NCWIT employees and immediate family members of NCWIT staff, contractors, or board members are ineligible.
Key takeaways:
- Create an aspirations.org account (minimum age 13).
- Must be an AiC Community member to apply.
- Parental/guardian approval required for applicants under 18; 18+ may self-approve.
- NCWIT employees and their immediate family members are ineligible.