Dalhousie's Faculty of Computer Science is representing Atlantic Canada as an affiliate of the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing. 

The Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) honors 9th-12th grade students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions.

This award does not require any technical, previous experience but rather focuses on their deep passion for technology. Recipients of the NCWIT AiC receive access to a community of more than 20,000 technical women and exclusive opportunities.

Eligibility for Canadian Applicants

Canadian students in grades 9-12 who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary can apply as long as they are currently enrolled in a Canadian secondary school program. Canadian home-schooled students (grades 9-12) are also welcome to apply.

Canadian applicants are eligible for award recognition at the Affiliate level within a Canadian specific program and are not eligible for any of the US specific National recognitions (including the US-specific National Winner and National Honorable Mention awards).

Prizes - vary by award designation

• National Winners: Trophy, Hoodie & certificate. All national winners will also be invited to attend the ACM Canadian Celebration of Women in Computing (October 2022, Toronto). Travel and accommodation expenses will be paid for the winner and one guardian.
• Local Winners: Hoodie & certificate
• Honorable Mentions: T-shirt & certificate
• Rising Stars: T-shirt & certificate
• Educator Awardees: Cash prize & certificate

NOTE: Certificates & trophies will come from your local AiC Affiliate and Hoodies & T-Shirts will be distributed by Shopify.

Application Details

Getting Started

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

Then, students can apply online, beginning September 1, 2021. To be considered for the 2022 Award for AiC, applicants must submit a completed application by the final deadline at 11:59 p.m. EST on November 5, 2021.