Menu Close

NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Educator Award

The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Educator Award identifies exemplary formal and informal educators who play a pivotal role in encouraging 9th-12th grade students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary to explore their interest in computing and technology. The award recognizes these educators for their efforts to promote gender equity in computing. Since 2011, more than 500 educators have been recognized and have received more than $225,000 in professional development funding to improve their computing education skills.

The multi-tiered award structure includes Winner and Honorable Mention designations at National and Regional Affiliate levels, serving all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and all U.S. overseas military bases. Regional Affiliate Award programs are hosted in 79 locations nationwide by NCWIT Alliance member organizations—a powerful, national network of universities, companies, non-profits, and government organizations working to increase the influence and meaningful participation of girls and women from every community.

The AiC Educator Award is sponsored by AT&T.
 

Applications are closed.

Eligibility

Any educator (formal or informal), counselor, administrator, mentor, or other influencer who supports the computing-related passions of 9th-12th grade students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary is welcome to apply, if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Applicant is one of the following:
  • Applicant must reside in the U.S. or on a U.S. overseas military base, or be a U.S. Citizen residing in Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • Applicant has a valid U.S. Tax Identification or Social Security Number.
  • Applicant has endorsed a student’s 2021 Award for AiC application. (Learn more about the Award for AiC.)
  • Applicant is not an NCWIT employee and has no immediate family relationship with employees, extended staff, contractors, or board members of NCWIT (including spouses, siblings, children, grandchildren, and persons residing in the same household).

Restrictions

  • Regional Affiliate Award programs allow repeat AiC Educator Award recipients, at their own discretion.

Prizes

Each Regional Affiliate Award Winner and Honorable Mention receives:

  • recognition at a Regional Affiliate Award event
  • increased visibility in their school district and community
  • NCWIT resources and promotional items
  • an engraved award
  • eligible to apply for up to $750 in professional development funds

In addition to the prizes listed above, each Regional Affiliate Award Winner receives a $250 Electronic Visa Gift Card.

The National Award Winner receives a cash prize of $2,500 and an invitation to the 2021 NCWIT Summit on Women and IT in May 2021.

Application Details

Getting Started

Applicants must first create or update an aspirations.org account here.

Prior to November 12, 2020, educators must also endorse a student’s 2021 Award for AiC. To complete an endorsement, please see this Step-by-Step Guide.

After endorsing a student’s application, follow our Educator Award step-by-step guide to complete your applicaiton.

Educators can submit their completed application for the Regional Affiliate Award no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Monday, December 7, 2020.

National AiC Educator Award applications open in January 2021 and are by invitation only to past AiC Educator Award recipients. Find out more about the National AiC Educator Award online.

Additional Guidance

For frequently asked questions about applying, approvals, and endorsements, please visit the FAQ page.

Additional Rules

To the extent required by law, NCWIT will report the value of the Award prizes to the IRS on Form 1099. Taxes, where applicable, are the responsibility of the Award recipient. 

The winner of the National AiC Educator Award will be required to submit additional paperwork, including a winner affidavit and tax ID information.

Skip to content