National Center for Women & Information Technology

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National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)
File:NCWITSquareLogo.png
Logo of the National Center for Women & Information Technology
Founded 2004
Founders <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
  • Lucinda (Lucy) Sanders
  • Telle Whitney
  • Dr. Robert (Bobby) Schnabel
Type Nonprofit organization
(IRS exemption status): 501(c)(3)[1]
Focus Women in Computing
Location
Area served
 National
Method Alliances, Research, and Programs
Website ncwit.org

The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) is a national non-profit[2] organization that works to increase the meaningful participation of girls and women in computing. NCWIT was founded in 2004, with a sunset clause of 20 years,[3] by Lucinda (Lucy) Sanders,[4]Telle Whitney, and Dr. Robert (Bobby) Schnabel.[5] NCWIT is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado at the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder.[6] Lucy Sanders, who was inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame in 2007,[7] is the current CEO.

Mission

As stated on its website, NCWIT's mission[8] is to:

  • correct the imbalance of gender diversity in technology and computing
  • empower change leaders to recruit, retain and advance women in computing[9]

Key strategies

Alliances

NCWIT consists of five alliances (K-12, Academic, Workforce, Entrepreneurial, and Affinity Group), and a Social Science Advisory Board.[10] Membership of these alliances is made up of over 575 corporations, academic institutions, startup companies, and non-profits.[11]

Resources

NCWIT produces research-based resources which allow member organizations and institutions to make change and raise awareness about the importance of bringing gender diversity to computer science education and the technology industry.[12] These resources advise individuals on how to accomplish reform, implement change, and raise awareness.[13]

Summit

The Annual NCWIT Summit brings together hundreds of corporate, academic, start-up, and non-profit change leaders to discuss topics relevant to women in computing. The event includes workshops, meetings, and inspirational speakers.[14]

Programs and campaigns

NCWIT coordinates a variety of programs and campaigns which have several goals. Among them are: supporting changes in K-12 computing curriculum, empowering women in computing to increase their visibility, working with high school women to encourage them to pursue computing careers, and celebrating the successes of female tech entrepreneurs.[15]

Aspirations in computing

NCWIT Aspirations in Computing is a development initiative for young women with aspirations and achievements in computing and information technology. The program consists of an award for high school students as well as a community for college women.[16][17] Sponsors include AT&T, Bank of America, Bloomberg, Google, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Microsoft, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Northrop Grumman, and Symantec.[18]

Pacesetters

The Pacesetters program involves a cohort of NCWIT member organizations who commit to an accelerated increase of technical women at their institutions and workplaces.[19]

AspireIT

AspireIT is an initiative which enlists high school and college women to design and lead computing programs for middle school girls. Through this program, the leaders develop mentorship skills while simultaneously introducing younger girls to computing.[20]

Extension Services

Extension Services consultants work with computing-related academic department representatives that are eager to increase their diversity. Advice and resources are provided to assist clients in identifying what resources they already have to accomplish their goals, and what new innovating strategies they can pursue.[21]

EngageCSEdu

EngageCSEdu is an online tool that contains thousands of course materials for introductory computer science courses. Educators are able to upload and download materials and access resources and guides for best practices. All materials are peer-reviewed to ensure that they achieve the goal of making computer science higher education accessible to women and other minorities. Google developed EngageCSEdu with NCWIT.[22]

Sit With Me

Sit With Me is a national campaign designed to encourage women in computing careers. An iconic Red Chair is used by Sit With Me to symbolize that women need more seats at the table. It is also a symbol that encourages men and women to sit in support for technical women. The campaign helps create gathering places where the contributions of women in computing can be recognized.[23]

Awards

Pioneer Award

Created in 2012, the NCWIT Pioneer Award recognizes those individuals who, over the course of their lives and careers, have contributed to changing the way society sees women in technology and computing.[24]

Winners:

  • Dr. Christine Darden (2015)
  • Katherine Johnson (2015)
  • Eleanor Kolchin (2014)
  • Jean Sammet (2013)
  • Patricia Palombo (2012)
  • Lucy Simon Rakov (2012)

Academic Alliance Seed Fund

Sponsored by Microsoft Research, the Academic Alliance Seed Fund awards startup funding to NCWIT Academic Alliance members for projects and programs designed to recruit and retain women in computing.[25]

Student Seed Fund

Sponsored by Symantec, the Student Seed Fund awards funding to student-run programs that attract and support women in information technology.[26]

Symons Innovator Award

Created in 2009 and presented annually, the Symons Innovator Award recognizes a successful female computing entrepreneur. The award is named in honor of Jeanette Symons, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who died in a plane crash in 2008.[27][28]

Winners:

Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award

Sponsored by AT&T, the NCWIT Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award honors faculty mentors at NCWIT Academic Alliance institutions who work to mentor, support, and promote women in computing-related fields.[29]

Harrold and Notkin Research and Graduate Mentoring Award

The Harrold and Notkin Research and Graduate Mentoring Award honors faculty who, through research opportunities and mentorship, support women and minority graduate students in computing. The award is named in memory of Mary Jean Harrold and David Notkin.[30]

Strategic and investment partners

NCWIT is supported by government and corporate partners from the technology sector and other related sectors. Strategic partners include National Science Foundation, Microsoft, Bank of America, Google, and Intel. Investment partners include Avaya, Pfizer, Merck, Turner Broadcasting Systems, AT&T, Bloomberg, and Hewlett-Packard.[31][32]

See also

References

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External links

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