Four Awarded for Aspirations in Computing

Four One Webster high school students were recently honored by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT).

Webster Schroeder’s Holly F. and Jessica F. each received the Affiliate Rising Star Award, and Webster Thomas’ Jenna D. won the Affiliate Award and Taya M. the Affiliate Honorable Mention. More than 3,400 applications were submitted for these awards this year.

The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) honors ninth through twelfth 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 plans for post-secondary education.

By generating visibility for these aspiring technologists in their local communities, the NCWIT Award for AiC encourages their continued interest in computing, builds their identity as someone who does computing, and attracts the attention and support of educational and corporate institutions.

NCWIT is a non-profit community of nearly 1,500 universities, companies, non-profits, and government organizations nationwide working to increase the influential and meaningful participation of girls and women—at the intersections of race/ethnicity, class, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, and other historically marginalized identities—in the field of computing, particularly in terms of innovation and development. NCWIT equips change leaders with resources for taking action in recruiting, retaining, and advancing women from K-12 and higher education through industry and entrepreneurial careers. Find out more at www.ncwit.org.