The National Center for Women In Technology (NCWIT) Award for Aspirations in Computing honors young women at the high-school level for their computing-related achievements and interests. Winners are selected for their computing and IT aptitude, leadership ability, academic history, and plans for post-secondary education. NCWIT has local and national affiliates. The CS department continues to support this and other diversity efforts designed to identify and recruit women into the field. Dr. Barbara G. Ryder (Department Computer Science – Head) and Libby Bradford (CS Director of Undergraduate Studies) chair the Virginia and Washington, DC affiliate and manage the annual awards ceremony. Microsoft hosted the event this year where twenty high school students were recognized. The event was sponsored by Bank of America, Eastman Chemical Company, Microsoft, NetApp, Northrop Grunman, SWIFT and Virginia Tech. Dr. Barbara G. Ryder said, “We are truly honored to recognize these outstanding young women from across Virginia and the District for their achievements in computing and leadership. They are pacesetters and set an example that girls may accomplish great things in the technology field”. To view a full list of winners and learn more about NCWIT visit here.
