We Are All MAD Here!
What Is This Activity All About?
The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) High School Award celebrates computing in grades 9-12. It inspires them to pursue their interests in technology. The award has recognized over 25,000 students since 2007. Applicants are evaluated on their computing skills, activities, leadership, perseverance, and future ambitions. The Southern Utah Aspirations in Computing (SUAIC) program is an extension of AiC. It focuses on more than 20 counties in Southern Utah and Nevada, intending to raise awareness about computing and support young women interested in computing careers, particularly in rural and remote areas.
SUAIC is growing as an outreach program! It targets high school girls across Southern Utah. some counties include Beaver, Carbon, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Washington, and Wayne.
Benefits of Applying for SUAIC
-
Scholarship & Internships Opportunities
As part of this community, you gain exclusive access to incredible scholarship opportunities! With so many top-notch professionals involved, this event becomes a springboard for your future. Winners and runner-ups can apply for up to three internships from renowned companies, offering real-world experience during the summer. -
Get Recognized for Your Achievements
You’ve accomplished amazing things, and it’s time to get the recognition you deserve! Every participant receives a certificate, and winners receive two plaques—one for you and one for your school! Plus, you’ll be featured on the SUAIC website, in news outlets, and celebrated by your school. Time to let the world know about your unique contributions! -
Network & Share Brilliant Ideas
Share your innovative ideas—whether it's about programming camps, internships, or exciting tech projects! At the ceremony, you'll meet SUU faculty, like-minded peers, and aspiring women in tech. These connections could turn into long-lasting friendships and future collaborations. Just imagine where your next big idea might take you! -
Inspiration to Chase Your Dreams
Every story here is unique, including yours! This community is packed with incredible role models who’ve overcome obstacles and achieved greatness. By learning from their journeys, you’ll gain new perspectives, inspiration, and the determination to chase your dreams with even more passion! -
Celebrate at Our Banquet & Award Ceremony
Picture this: a grand celebration in March or April, where you, your parents, high school educators, and the SUU community unite. Free lunch, fun activities like “sit with me,” photo ops, and prizes—plus, it's your chance to dress up and feel like a star! -
Score Cool Swag!
Who doesn’t love swag? Every participant walks away with awesome gear from SUU, while winners and runner-ups snag additional swag from sponsors like Apple, AWS, Google, Microsoft, and more! This is your chance to feel celebrated—and take home some cool tech goodies!
Click here to learn more about NCWIT. Click here to learn more about NCWIT Aspirations.
Process of Applying
Step 1: Create an Account
-
Register on the NCWIT Site by providing your email and password.
-
Remember your login credentials, as you'll need them for future access.
-
Agree to the Terms & Conditions, including the Consent and Release form, Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.
Step 2: Set Up Account Security
-
After creating your account, log in using your email and password.
-
Set up multi-factor authentication by selecting options like SMS, email, or security questions for enhanced security.
-
Once you've set up at least one security method, click "Finish" to complete the process and access your dashboard.
Step 3: Complete Your Aspirations.org Profile
-
From your dashboard, fill in your contact information and profile details.
-
If you're under 18, you will need parent/guardian approval, which you can request from your dashboard.
-
Select your school by searching your state and school name. If you can't find your school or are homeschooled, you can manually input the school name.
Step 4: Receive Parent/Guardian Approval
-
While you don't need parent/guardian approval to begin, it's required for your application to be considered.
-
Click "Request Consent" on your dashboard to send an email to your parent/guardian for electronic approval.
-
If your parent/guardian doesn't receive the email, you can resend it or upload signed approval documents.
Step 5: Create and Complete a New Application
-
Once applications open, click "Complete Application" on your dashboard.
-
You can work through the application sections in any order, and save your progress to return later.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
-
After completing all sections, review your application and click "Submit Completed Application."
-
Note that you cannot edit the application after submission, so be sure you're satisfied with your responses before finalizing.
Step 7: Receive an Educator Endorsement
-
After submitting your application, return to your dashboard to request an endorsement from an educator.
-
Provide their email, and they'll receive instructions to endorse your application.
-
If they don't receive the email, you can resend it from your dashboard. Notify your educator ahead of time to ensure they are aware of the process.
Who Can Apply?
-
Women, genderqueer, and non-binary students in grades 9 through 12 are welcome to apply. Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements outlined below will be considered for both the National and Regional Affiliate Awards:
-
They are 13 years of age or older at the time of account creation.
-
They receive parent/guardian approval by the approval deadline OR are 18 years of age or older at the time of application submission.
-
They attend a school in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, on a U.S. overseas military base.
-
They are not an NCWIT employee and have 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).
Note that applicants under the age of 18 at the time of application submission will require parent or guardian approval.
How Many Times Can You Apply?
-
Applicants may reapply each year; however, National Award Winners are not eligible to win again.
-
Regional Affiliate Award programs allow repeat recipients, at their discretion.
If you have any queries, feel free to Contact Us.