The Aspirations in Computing Award: A Complete Guide

If you’re passionate about technology, problem-solving, and making a difference in the world, the Aspirations in Computing Award (AiC) might be the perfect opportunity for you. The Aspirations in Computing Award by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) is one of the most prestigious recognitions for high school students passionate about technology.

Since its launch, the AiC has recognized thousands of students who’ve gone on to study computer science, engineering, and other STEM fields at some of the world’s top universities. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—what the award is about, how to apply, and how to stand out from the crowd.

• What Is the Aspirations in Computing Award?
• Aspirations in Computing Award: Awards and Prizes
• How to Qualify for Aspirations in Computing Award
• How to Get into the Aspirations in Computing Award
• How to Win the Aspirations in Computing Award
• Aspirations in Computing Award: Previous Winners
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the Aspirations in Computing Award?

The Aspirations in Computing Award is part of a nationwide initiative by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)—a program that helps students like you explore your interests in technology, engineering, and innovation. It’s all about turning your curiosity into action, giving you the tools, encouragement, and opportunities to see how far your skills can take you in the world of computing.

Since its start in 2007, the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing program has recognized more than 25,000 students across the United States for their creativity, leadership, and dedication to technology. Today, it stands as one of the largest and most inclusive programs supporting young innovators who want to make an impact in STEM and beyond.

The Aspirations in Computing program includes four distinct awards that celebrate people making a difference in tech:

• Aspirations in Computing High School Award
• Aspirations in Computing Educator Award
• Aspirations in Computing Collegiate Award
• Aspirations in Computing Impact Award

Each award highlights individuals shaping the future of computing—whether it’s students developing new ideas, educators inspiring others, or mentors creating opportunities for the next generation of technologists.

But in this blog, we’ll focus on the Aspirations in Computing High School Award (AiC High School Award), which honors 9th–12th grade students for their computing achievements and aspirations. This award is perfect for students who love exploring technology—whether you’re coding apps, building robots, designing websites, conducting research, or finding creative ways to use tech for good.

Each year, hundreds of students are recognized or shortlisted based on their passion, leadership, and potential to grow in STEM fields. The award is open to students from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and U.S. military bases overseas.

Applications for the NCWIT Awards 2025 open on September 1, 2025, and close on October 28, 2025—so if you’re thinking about applying, now’s the perfect time to start preparing your story.

Aspirations in Computing Award: Awards and Prizes

Every year, the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Awards celebrate hundreds of students from across the U.S. who are passionate about technology, innovation, and leadership. The program recognizes students at both the national and regional levels.

You’ll be considered for national and regional recognition, so you have more than one chance to stand out. Below are the awards, prizes, and recognition given for each awardee:

Aside from the cash prize, every student also earns a lifetime membership in the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Community.

As a member of this community, you’ll get access to:

• Mentors who can guide you through your academic and career goals in technology.
• Internships and real-world experiences that let you apply your skills and gain hands-on learning.
• Scholarships designed specifically for AiC members pursuing STEM degrees.
• Events, workshops, and leadership programs where you can connect, collaborate, and grow with other students in tech.
• A supportive community of peers and professionals who believe in your potential and will cheer you on every step of the way.

Winning or even being recognized in the Aspirations in Computing High School Award is your entry into a community that helps you keep learning, growing, and shaping the future of technology.

How to Qualify for the Aspirations in Computing Award

If you’re ready to share your passion for technology, the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing High School Award is your chance to shine. Applying is simple, free, and open to students from all across the U.S. and beyond.

Here’s what you need to know before you start your application:

Eligibility

To apply for the Aspirations in Computing Award for high school students, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:

• You must be 13 years or older when you create your aspirations.org account.
• You should be in grades 9–12 at a U.S. high school or an equivalent program in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or a U.S. overseas military base.
• If you’re under 18, you’ll need parent or guardian approval to apply.
• You can’t be an NCWIT employee or an immediate family member of one.
• You must be a member of the AiC Community—joining is free and part of the application process.

If you want to be considered for a National Award, there are a couple of extra requirements:

• You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or meet the substantial presence test (this helps determine tax residency).
• You’ll also need a valid U.S. Tax Identification Number or Social Security Number.

Required documents

Before you hit “Submit,” make sure you have everything ready:

• A completed NCWIT Award application form on your aspirations.org dashboard.
• Short essay responses where you’ll share your story—what inspired you to explore computing, what projects you’ve done, and what goals you’re chasing.
• Optional links or portfolios that show off your coding, research, or other tech work.
• An educator endorsement (highly recommended!) from a teacher, mentor, or coach who knows your strengths.
• Parent or guardian consent if you’re under 18.

Contest fees

Good news—there’s no fee to apply! The Aspirations in Computing Award is 100% free because NCWIT believes every student deserves a chance to be recognized, regardless of background or resources.

Registration deadline

Here’s your timeline:

• Applications open on September 1, 2025
• Deadline to apply is on October 28, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET
• Educator endorsements are due shortly after the student application closes

Make sure to start early! Give yourself time to write strong essays, check your answers, and reach out to your educator for that all-important endorsement.

How to Get into the Aspirations in Computing Award

Applying for the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing High School Award is a simple and exciting process—and it all starts with joining the AiC Community.

Follow these steps to get started on your application journey:

Step 1: Join the AiC Community

Before you can apply for the award, you’ll need to become a member of the Aspirations in Computing Community—a free network that connects you with other students, mentors, and opportunities in tech.

Simply go to aspirations.org/registration and create your free account. Fill out your profile and complete the AiC Community membership application on your dashboard.

If you’re under 18, your parents or guardian will receive an email with an approval form. Make sure they complete it before the deadline—your application can’t move forward without it!

Once your membership is approved, you’ll unlock access to awards, scholarships, and internships just for AiC members.

Step 2: Complete the NCWIT Award application

When applications open on September 1, 2025, you’ll see an option on your dashboard that says “Complete Application.”

You’ll fill out several sections, including short essay questions about your experience, leadership, and goals in computing.

You can work at your own pace—save your progress, return later, and edit your responses anytime before submitting.

Step 3: Submit and Confirm

Make sure to double-check before submitting—once it’s turned in, you won’t be able to make changes. After submitting, you’ll see a confirmation message letting you know your application was successfully received.

Submitting early is always a smart idea, so you have plenty of time for the next step—your educator endorsement.

Step 4: Request an Educator Endorsement

After submitting your application, you’ll need one educator endorsement to strengthen your submission. Ask an educator for permission to be your endorser before asking for their email—they could be a teacher, counselor, mentor, or coach who knows your work.

Go to your dashboard and click “Request Endorsement” and enter your educator’s email address. Your educator should receive an email from [email protected] asking them to complete an endorsement form.

If your educator doesn’t receive it right away, ask them to check their spam folder—or you can resend the email directly from your dashboard.

How to Win the Aspirations in Computing Award

Winning the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing High School Award (AiC High School Award) shows your creativity, leadership, and genuine passion for technology. Judges want to see how you use computing to make a difference and how you’re growing as a problem-solver and innovator.

Here are some tips to make your application shine:

1. Show real-world impact.

Think beyond classroom assignments. How have you used technology to solve real problems or help others? Maybe you created an app to support your community, led a STEM outreach project, or designed a website for a school club.

You could also highlight how you’ve made computing more inclusive—such as helping classmates learn to code or organizing workshops for younger students. Judges love to see applicants who use their skills to create positive change. Show them how your projects reflect innovation, inclusion, and initiative.

2. Demonstrate leadership.

Leadership can take many forms, and it’s one of the most valued qualities in the review process. Talk about how you’ve led a coding club, organized hackathons, mentored younger students, or worked as part of a team to build something meaningful.

If you’ve taken initiative in a group project or helped others overcome challenges, that counts too! Remember, leadership is about showing persistence, collaboration, and the courage to inspire others.

3. Reflect passion and purpose.

The most powerful part of your application is your voice. Your essays are your opportunity to show who you are, not just what you’ve done.

Share what excites you about computing—maybe it’s the logic of problem-solving, the creativity behind design, or the way technology can change lives. Don’t be afraid to be personal. Talk about your journey, the obstacles you’ve faced, and how you’ve grown from them.

Judges want to see your curiosity and drive, so your essays should sound like you, not like a resume.

4. Secure a strong endorsement.

A thoughtful endorsement can make a huge difference. Choose an educator, mentor, or coach who knows your strengths and can describe your impact in detail. Ask someone who has seen your dedication firsthand—maybe your computer science teacher, robotics coach, or volunteer supervisor.

When you request their endorsement, explain why you’re applying and what the award means to you. This helps them write a more personal and meaningful recommendation. A strong endorsement reinforces everything you’ve shared in your application and shows that others see your potential too.

5. Join early.

Don’t wait until the last minute! Joining the AiC Community early gives you access to reminders, updates, and insider resources straight from NCWIT.

You’ll get helpful essay-writing tips, success stories from past winners, and important application announcements. Plus, being part of the community early helps you connect with mentors and peers who can support you through the process.

Aspirations in Computing Award: Previous Winners

Since its founding in 2007, the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Award has recognized more than 25,000 students across the U.S. for their creativity, leadership, and innovation in technology.

In 2025, the program honored 400 exceptional students nationwide—including 40 National Winners and 360 National Honorable Mentions—representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and U.S. overseas military bases.

Here are just some of the 2025 National winners of the Aspirations in Computing High School Award:

The 2025 NCWIT Aspirations in Computing High School Award was proudly sponsored by Apple, Bank of America, Google, Jane Street, and Microsoft, who continue to support the next generation of innovators in STEM. Aside from the National Winners, there were also Honorable Mentions and Regional Affiliate Awards given to outstanding students across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When are NCWIT Awards announced?

National Award results are announced in January, while regional results are shared by February. Most award ceremonies take place between March and June, so keep an eye on your email and dashboard for updates.

2. Who can endorse my application?

Any educator who knows your work in computing—like a teacher, mentor, counselor, or club advisor—can write your endorsement. It’s best to choose someone who can speak to your passion, skills, and growth in technology.

3. Is there a fee to apply?

Nope! Applying for the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing High School Award is completely free, so all you need to invest is your time and effort.

4. Can I reapply?

Yes! You can apply every year as long as you’re still in high school. However, students who have already been named National Winners are not eligible to win that specific title again.

5. What if I’m not a U.S. citizen?

You’re still welcome to apply! Non-U.S. citizens can be considered for Regional Affiliate Awards, while National Awards are reserved for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or students who meet the substantial presence test.

Takeaways

• The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award opens doors into a community full of mentors, scholarships, and tech opportunities.
• Your story matters most. Use your essays to show what drives your passion for computing and how you’re using technology to make a difference.
• Start early and stay organized. Applications open September 1, 2025, and close October 28, 2025, so give yourself time to write, revise, and request your educator endorsement.
• Every step counts. Whether you’re coding your first project or leading a tech club, your experiences reflect the creativity and persistence NCWIT celebrates.
• Need help polishing your essays or application? Work with an expert through our Private Consulting Program to craft a standout NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award application and strengthen your college admissions strategy.