Outreach Programs
NCWIT Aspirations Awards
The Maryland Affiliate of the National Center for Women In Technology (NCWIT)—including the University of Maryland, College Park, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and Loyola University Maryland—recognizes the best students for the prestigious NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) for the Maryland region.
The AiC High School Award honors 9th-12th grade women, genderqueer, and 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 future plans. Since 2013, more than 900 Maryland students have received an AiC Award. Applications open in the fall.
Join the Aspirations Community
Girl Scouts Workshops
Our partnership with Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital exemplifies our commitment to facilitating opportunities for women in computing and inspiring the next generation of computer scientists.
Coding for Good and Cybersecurity badges may be earned through the in-person Girl Scout Day. Each badge takes around 1 hour at the Daisy, Brownie and Junior levels, and 1.5 hours per badge for Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors.
General Outreach
Throughout the year, I4C staff members and teaching ambassadors take I4C activities on the road to local organizations and schools. Activity options include LEGO Mindstorm Robots, cryptology activities and programming mini-workshops that introduce computing principles. If you are a local community member or educator who would like to request one of these facilitated activities, please contact i4C_k12@umd.edu.