NCWIT Award For Aspirations in Computing

The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Award honors 9th-12th grade women, genderqueer, or non-binary students for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and future plans. Since 2007, more than 25,000 students have received an AiC Award.

The multi-tiered award structure includes Winner, Honorable Mention, and Rising Star designations at National and Regional Affiliate levels, serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, all U.S. overseas military bases, and Canada. Regional Affiliate Award programs are hosted in 79 locations nationwide by NCWIT Alliance member organizations—a powerful, national network of universities, companies, non-profits, and government organizations working to increase the influence and meaningful participation of girls and women from every community.

The NCWIT Award for AiC is sponsored by Apple, Bank of America, Microsoft, and Motorola Solutions Foundation.

Applications open September 1, 2023.

Applicants in Canada, please visit the Aspirations-Canada webpage.

Eligibility

Women, genderqueer, or non-binary students in grades 9 through 12 are welcome to apply. Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements outlined below will be considered for both the National and Regional Affiliate Awards:

• They are 13 years of age or older at the time of account creation.
• They receive parent/guardian approval by the approval deadline OR are 18 years of age or older at the time of application submission.
• 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).
• Note that applicants under the age of 18 ​at the time of application submission will require parent or guardian approval.​​

In addition to the aforementioned eligibility requirements, to be considered for a National Award (National Winner or National Honorable Mention designations), the applicant must meet the additional criteria:

• They are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or individual who meets the requirements of the substantial presence test.
• They have a U.S. Tax Identification or Social Security Number.

Restrictions

• Applicants may reapply each year; however, National Award Winners are not eligible to win again.
• Regional Affiliate Award programs allow repeat recipients, at their own discretion.