The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) High School Award honors 9th - 12th grade students who are active and interested in computing and technology, 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, persistence, and future plans. In its 20+ year history, 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.
Eligibility
Students in grades 9 through 12 involved in technology are welcome to join the free AiC Community and 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 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).
Scholarship Value: $500
Awards Available: 300
Award Deadline: Oct 27, 2026