NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC)
Aspirations in Computing
The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) recognizes 9th to 12th grade female, genderqueer, or non-binary students for their computing-related achievements and interests. Since 2007, over 17,000 students have received an AiC Award, which is funded by Apple, Bank of America, Microsoft, and the Motorola Solutions Foundation.
Scholarship awards range from $500 to $25,000. Computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education are used to select award recipients.
Applicants must be 13 years old and attend school in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, or a U.S. overseas military base to be considered for this award. Students may reapply each year however award recipients may not win the award again.
Scholarship Summary
The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) recognizes 9th to 12th grade female, genderqueer, or non-binary students for their computing-related achievements and interests. Since 2007, over 17,000 students have received an AiC Award, which is funded by Apple, Bank of America, Microsoft, and the Motorola Solutions Foundation.
Scholarship awards range from $500 to $25,000. Computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education are used to select award recipients.
Applicants must be 13 years old and attend school in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, or a U.S. overseas military base to be considered for this award. Students may reapply each year however award recipients may not win the award again.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: 7th Grade – Middle School
- Age: 13 – 16
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: Guam, Virgin Islands, United States
- Gender: Women
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC)
Study Details
Area of Study
- Computer Science
- Technology
Country of Study
- Canada
- United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Grade transcript
NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Timeline
September 1
Application Opening Date
Applications open in September.
November 6
Submission Deadline
The deadline for applications is in November.
How to ace the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC)
Carefully follow the application process
Carefully follow the step-by-step application process and make sure everything is in order. The application is a seven-step process so make sure you take your time and give it your best.
Show your prowess in tech
This scholarship is specifically targeted at women in tech so you should show that you are interested in Information Technology. Showing your interest in this field will help in convincing the scholarship selection committee that you are a suitable candidate.
Ask a teacher to endorse you
You will need an endorsement from an educator. Therefore, ask a teacher you know well and have a good relationship with to endorse you for this scholarship.
Start early
Start the application as early as you can so as to give yourself enough time to compile everything and get everyone you need, such as educators, on board. Doing things at the last minute can really inconvenience you in addition to compromising the quality of your application.
How the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) is Judged
Applicants are mainly judged on how they adhere to the eligibility requirements. This is because the NCWIT is more concerned with providing access to women and girls looking to get into the field of information technology. Therefore, the award is targeting 9th-12th grade females, genderqueer, or non-binary students for their computing-related achievements and interests.
Why We Love the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC)
Good opportunity for women and minorities
This scholarship is a good opportunity for women, genderqueer or non-binary students to get into the field of information technology.
Increases participation of women and minorities
By giving women, genderqueer and non-binary students an opportunity to learn about information technology they are increasing the number of women and gender minorities in the technological space.
Huge tech companies help sponsor the scholarship
Industry leaders like Apple, Bank of America, Microsoft, and Motorola Solutions through their Foundation sponsor the scholarship.
5 Facts About the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing
Scholarship started in 2007
The first NCWIT Awards for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) scholarships were awarded in 2007.
More than 17,000 students awarded
More than 17,000 students have been awarded an award from AiC.
There is a multi-tiered award structure
At the national and regional affiliate levels, there is a multi-tiered award structure that includes Winner, Honorable Mention, Rising Star, and Certificate of Distinction, and it serves all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, all U.S. overseas military bases, and Canada.
Applicants may reapply
Applicants may apply again each year, but National Award Winners are not eligible to win again.
Applications reviewed by industry professionals
Applications are anonymously reviewed by technology experts. NCWIT and Bank of America choose the National Award Winners; each Affiliate chooses the Regional Affiliate Award Winners.