AiC Educator Resources
Below are curated NCWIT resources for educators.
Aspirations in Computing
NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) changes what’s possible for women, genderqueer, and non-binary people in technology from K-12 through career by offering the kind of encouragement that combats isolation, enables long-term persistence, opens doors, and changes lives. AiC uses program elements that spark interest in computing (AspireIT); recognizes and celebrates women’s technical aspirations and abilities, as well as the educators who support them (AiC Award Recognitions); and provides an expansive, supportive network (AiC Community).
Aspirations in Computing High School Award
The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing High School Award (AiC) honors 9th-12th grade women, genderqueer, and non-binary students for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, and tenacity in the face of barriers to access. Applications open on September 1st.
AspireIT: Computing Learning Experiences
NCWIT AspireIT is designed to teach K-12 girls, women, and genderqueer and non-binary people programming fundamentals and computational thinking in fun, creative, and hands-on environments. Research shows that participants more easily identify with near-peer mentors, increasing their personal self-efficacy and confidence. To that end, NCWIT offers two AspireIT components to amplify and further the positive impact of near-peer instruction: the AspireIT Impact Award and the AspireIT Toolkit.
The Impact Award elevates the core values and spirit of NCWIT AspireIT. Award recipients will be selected based on their efforts to build and creatively offer hands-on learning opportunities in computing and career exploration, and to bring together advocates and allies of various backgrounds through computing-related events and community groups. Applications for the AspireIT Impact Award open annually on April 1st.
The NCWIT AspireIT Toolkit helps anyone interested in designing engaging and inclusive computer science experiences for K-12 students, with a focus on broadening the participation of girls, women, and other underrepresented populations. The Toolkit equips facilitators with the resources and support they need to create sustainable and lasting change in their communities. All content provided incorporates three core values, which have been shown to foster effectiveness and lead to the greatest impact for participants and their communities: peer mentorship, inclusivity, and hands-on engagement.
TECHNOLOchicas Campaign
TECHNOLOchicas is a national initiative of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) and Televisa Foundation designed to raise awareness among young Latinas and their families about opportunities and careers in technology. Using the powerful stories of Latinas from diverse backgrounds, who are in technology fields and recognize the power of innovation to change the world, allows girls to see and relate to real-life role models.
Modern Figures Podcast
Modern Figures Podcast guest stars Black women in computing who share their stories and perspectives on technical, societal, and personal topics. Geared toward women of color in STEM, especially high school and college students, the podcast also highlights the interesting, relatable, and pivotal moments along their journey in computing.
- Get started with Episode 1 - watch minute 30 - 38 to learn why representation matters.
Which computing pathway is right for me?
This resource, co-branded by the six founding PACE (Partnership for Advancing Computing Education) organizations, explains how computing interests and talents line up with different undergraduate courses of study and the careers that follow.
Why Should Young People Consider Careers in Computing and Information Technology?
What should you tell a young person about IT careers? How can they prepare now for a career in IT? Created for school counselors by Counselors for Computing (C4C), this resource gives adults talking points and additional resources for conversations with students on how IT offers meaningful work, job security and high salaries with a bachelor’s degree, and flexibility. The web version has clickable links to the Bureau of Labor Statistics to learn more.
Guide to Inclusive Computer Science Education
Knowledge of computer science (CS) is fundamental to students’ future careers. This guide provides educators with context and concrete steps to build and expand inclusivity in CS education. By actively engaging students in CS, educators can build an even stronger pipeline of creativity and innovation to tackle the world’s challenges and help ensure students have the skills needed to thrive today and tomorrow.
Top 10 Ways to Engage School Counselors as Allies in the Effort to Increase Student Access to Computer Science Education and Careers
School counselors are eager to direct students to viable education and career opportunities. Consider these key points for collaboration as you plan to meet with counselors to discuss ways their professional responsibilities align with your goals to increase student access to computing.
Top 10 Ways of Recruiting High School Women into Your Computing Classes
Recruiting diverse students to computing requires that you spark their interest, build their confidence they can succeed, create a community where they feel like they belong, and help them see themselves as a "computing person."
You Can Actively Recruit a Diverse Range of Girls into HS Computing Classes
This is a downloadable PDF workbook created for HS teachers and will help educators and influencers understand the research-based reasons why a diverse range of girls are less likely to take computing courses in HS and provides actionable recommendations for creating recruiting and outreach interventions that work.
Top 10 Ways to Engage Underrepresented Students in Computing
These tips will help you to engage students in your computing courses. Ideas and examples are drawn from theory and research conducted by social scientists who study issues related to diversity and retention in computing.
Bridging the Encouragement Gap in Computing
There is consensus among researchers that encouragement matters and plays a critical role in engaging more young women and girls in computing. Here are some key highlights from published research studies, and follow-up tips on practicing encouragement.
CS Is for Everyone: A toolkit for middle and high schools to increase diversity in CS education
Schools across the country and around the world are working to increase access to quality Computer Science education. But while CS classes and opportunities are expanding, too many students — especially girls, Black, Latino and Native American youth — feel like it’s not for them. As a result, the whole world misses out on the diverse perspectives needed to fuel innovation and drive change. The insights and tools in this kit will help ensure all young people understand the value of a CS education and feel welcomed and empowered to succeed.
- Click here for the PowerPoint deck.
Computer Science Professional Development Guide
Three out of five schools in the U.S. do not offer computing courses that include programming or coding, yet we know that computing jobs are the way of the future. This computer science (CS) Guide not only empowers teachers, but also inspires students.Microsoft and Microsoft Philanthropies TEALS (Technology Education and Literacy in Schools) partnered with the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) to develop these tools to help educators convey the importance of computer science, and ensure that recruitment and retention strategies, curricula, and the classroom environment are welcoming for all students.
Enrich PK-8 Computing Education
Student influencers such as formal and informal educators and parents are eager to direct students to viable education opportunities in computing. Consider these key points and resources that can be used to integrate computing skills into existing curricula, encourage diverse participation in computing, and/or connect students to informal learning environments that emphasize hands-on experience with technology.
Moving Beyond Computer Literacy: Why Schools Should Teach Computer Science
Computer Science (CS) — not computer literacy — underlies most innovation today, from biotechnology to geoscience to national security. Computer science teaches students design, logical reasoning, and problem solving — all valuable well beyond the computer science classroom. This resource provides information about the value of computer science curriculum for students, educators, local and national economies as well as global society. It offers steps schools can take to successfully incorporate computer science education.
NCWIT Tips: 8 Ways to Give Students More Effective Feedback Using a Growth Mindset
Effective feedback gives students information they actually use to increase their learning and improve their performance. It should employ a "growth mindset" that focuses on developing intelligence through effort, practice, and "wise feedback" that spurs additional effort.
Top 10 Ways Families Can Encourage Girls' Interest in Computing
Technology is a fast-growing, high-paying, creative field. Here are 10 ways that you, as a family member, can encourage the girls in your life to study, and have a career in, computer science and related technology fields.
Counselors for Computing (C4C) Materials
- Community College Pathway to IT and Computing Careers
- Connects students' interests with IT and computing career paths that can be achieved through enrollment in a community college. Degrees are linked to job titles, projected growth, and wages.
- Military Pathway to IT and Computing Careers
- Connects students' interests with opportunities in IT and computing that can be achieved through military service and beyond. Information about IT military assignments is linked to future jobs and salaries.
- University Pathway to IT and Computing Careers
- Connects students' interests with IT and computing career paths that can be achieved through enrollment in a university or four-year college. Degree programs are linked to job titles, projected growth, and wages.
