Overview of NCWIT

NCWIT is a non-profit community that convenes, equips, and unites change leader organizations to increase the meaningful participation of all women — at the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, age, sexual orientation, and disability status — in the influential field of computing, particularly in terms of innovation and development.

Before NCWIT was chartered in 2004 by the National Science Foundation, programs focusing on women and computing existed mostly in isolation — without the benefit of shared best practices, effective resources, communication with others, or national reach. Today, these programs are part of the NCWIT community, creating a far greater impact than if institutions acted alone.

NCWIT uses a three-pronged strategy to improve awareness and knowledge, and motivate change leaders to act.

1. NCWIT Convenes

NCWIT brings together men and women change leaders who carry out projects and initiatives in support of NCWIT’s mission. They represent more than 1,100 universities, companies, non-profits, and government organizations that are grouped into five Alliances. These change leaders convene annually at the NCWIT Summit — a three-day event where collaboration leads to action and produces positive results for others to follow.

 2. NCWIT Equips

NCWIT provides free, online research-based resources for reform at every level to help individuals implement change, raise awareness, and reach out to critical populations. These resources are frequently cited by national media outlets and widely distributed through outreach events and members’ networks.

 3. NCWIT Unites 

NCWIT develops programs for members to achieve goals focused on policy reform, image change, outreach to underrepresented groups, and more. These programs unify change leaders in an action-oriented movement to create national change. Such programs include NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (an initiative that provides technical girls and women with ongoing engagement, visibility, and encouragement for their computing-related interests and achievements from high school through college and into the workforce) and Sit With Me (a fun, creative national advocacy campaign that uses an iconic red chair to symbolize the critical need for women’s technical contributions).