NCWIT Award For Aspirations in Computing High School Awards

Scholarship Sponsored by National Center for Women in Technology

Description

Description: The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) High School Award recognizes students in grades 9–12 who demonstrate interest and achievement in computing and technology. Recipients are selected on the basis of aptitude and aspirations, taking into account computing experience, related activities, leadership, persistence, and future plans. The program aims to encourage students to pursue computing and technology opportunities and to build a supportive community for young technologists.

• Recognizes high school students for computing interest and achievement.
• Selection based on experience, leadership, persistence, and plans.
• Supports continued engagement in computing and technology.

Eligibility

Eligibility: Students in grades 9 through 12 who are involved in technology may join the free AiC Community and apply for awards. Applicants must meet age and consent requirements, attend school in covered U.S. jurisdictions or bases, and must not have disqualifying relationships with NCWIT staff or board members. Meeting the stated eligibility criteria allows consideration for both National and Regional Affiliate awards.

• Applicants must be in grades 9–12 and at least 13 years old when creating an account.
• Parental/guardian approval is required unless the applicant is 18 or older.
• Applicants must attend school in the U.S., territories, or on a U.S. overseas military base.
• NCWIT staff and certain immediate family members are ineligible.

• They are 13 years of age or older at the time of creating an aspirations.org account.
• They receive parent/guardian approval by the approval deadline OR are 18 years of age or older at the time of completion of their AiC Community membership form.
• They attend a school in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or on a U.S. overseas military base.
• They are not an NCWIT employee and have no immediate family relationship with employees, extended staff, contractors, or board members of NCWIT (including spouses, siblings, children, grandchildren, and persons residing in the same household).​​

Award Structure

Award Structure: The AiC program uses a multi-tiered award structure with Winner, Honorable Mention, and Rising Star designations at both National and Regional Affiliate levels. The program serves all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, U.S. overseas military bases, and Canada. Regional Affiliate Award programs operate across 79 locations nationwide to broaden access and recognition.

• Multi-tiered recognitions: Winner, Honorable Mention, Rising Star.
• National and Regional Affiliate awards increase local accessibility.
• Wide geographic coverage including U.S. territories and Canada.

History of the Award

History of the Award: Over more than 20 years, NCWIT AiC has recognized a large and growing cohort of young computing enthusiasts. To date, more than 25,000 students have received an AiC Award, reflecting the program’s scale and sustained impact. The award has become a notable pathway for encouraging students to pursue further study and careers in computing and technology.

• Program has operated for 20+ years.
• More than 25,000 students have received awards.
• Established pathway to support continued computing engagement.