NCWIT - Aspirations in Computing

Award Information

The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) recognizes students with a passion for technology, including young women, transgender, genderqueer, and non-binary individuals, through its Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC). This recognition aims to support and encourage students from underrepresented genders in technology who may often find themselves in predominantly male learning environments.

The AiC Award celebrates the achievements and aspirations of these students, fostering a sense of community and providing a network of peers and mentors. By highlighting their current engagement in computing education, their future career goals in technology, and their outreach efforts to involve others in computer science, robotics, and related fields, the award reinforces the importance of their contributions. As computer technology fields often lack gender diversity, this recognition is crucial in inspiring students to persist in their tech interests and pursue long-term academic and professional paths.

Award recipients and honorable mentions receive recognition items which could include swag, trophies, medals, certificates, etc. The impact of this award is evident at our school, with Saxons having received this recognition since 2018.

NCWIT's goal extends beyond individual recognition. By celebrating these students, NCWIT aims to build their confidence, encourage them to pursue computing in higher education (even if it isn't directly in computer science), and connect them with a national network of individuals with similar interests who can offer mentorship and support throughout their academic and professional journeys.

Furthermore, NCWIT acknowledges the vital role of educators in encouraging students from underrepresented genders to explore computing. The NCWIT Educator Award recognizes these dedicated individuals for their efforts in promoting gender equity in technology education. We are proud that our own Judson Birkel, Saxon Computer Science Educator, received the Educator's Award for the Oregon/SW Washington region in 2019.

Learn more and apply:

• NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC): https://www.aspirations.org/

• National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT): https://www.ncwit.org/

Past Recipients

2025:

• Aspirations in Computing Regional Award Winners (Oregon/SW Washington):

  • Sofia Adair - (Sophomore - 2x Winner)

  • Adelle Blumenauer (Junior 1x Winner)

  • Helena Miller (Senior 1x Winner)

• Aspirations in Computing Regional Honorable Mention:

  • Grace Anderson (Sophomore - 1x HM)

  • Gabby Bay (Senior - 1x HM)

  • Janet Chen (Freshman - 1x HM)

  • Elise Johnson (Senior - 1x HM)

  • Gwen Sorem (Junior - 1x HM)

2023:

• Aspirations in Computing Regional Award Winners (Oregon/SW Washington):

  • Henry Amato - (Senior - 1x Winner)

  • Sofia Adair - (Sophomore - 1x Winner)

2021: (The Year of Distance Learning)

• Aspirations in Computing Regional Award Winners (Oregon/SW Washington):

  • Mina Morris - (Senior - 1x HM, 1x Winner)

• Aspirations in Computing Regional Honorable Mention:

  • Neha Srinivasan - (Sophomore - 1x HM)

  • Sarah Wattimena - (Senior - 1x HM, 1x Winner)

  • Jasmine Wetter -  (Senior - 1x HM)

2020: (The Year of the COVID19 Pandemic)

• Aspirations in Computing Regional Award Winners (Oregon/SW Washington):

• Julie Chen – (Senior - 3x Winner)

• Brinsley Hammond Brouwer – Junior (2x HM, 1x Winner)

• Sarah Wattimena – Junior (1x Winner)

• Veronica Flores – Junior (1x Winner)

2019:

• Aspirations in Computing Regional Award Winners (Oregon/SW Washington):

• Julie Chen (Junior - 2x Winner)

• Aspirations in Computing Regional Honorable Mention:

• Stephanie Borah (Senior - 1x HM)

• Brinsley Hammond Brouwer ( Sophomore - 2x HM)

• Mina Morris (Sophomore - 1x HM)

• Tiana Donin (Freshman - 1x HM)

• Educator Award:

  • Judson Birkel

2018:

• Aspirations in Computing Regional Award Winners (Oregon/SW Washington):

  • Hannah Armstrong (Senior - 1x Winner)

  • Julie Chen (Sophomore- 1x Winner)

• Aspirations in Computing Regional Honorable Mention:

  • McKenna Leveck (Senior - 1x HM)

  • Anabelle Smith (Junior - 1x HM)

  • Brinsley Hammond Brouwer (Freshmen - 1x HM)