Aspirations Canada
ACM-W is excited to partner with Queens University, University of Alberta, Dalhousie Faculty of Computer Science and Simon Fraser University to offer the Award for Aspirations in Computing to students in all of Canada.
The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) honours and recognizes grade 9 through 12 students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary 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, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education.
Applications are now OPEN and will close on November 8, 2024, at midnight ET!
Eligibility for Canadian High School 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).
In addition to the aforementioned eligibility requirements, to be considered for a National Canadian Winner designation, the applicant must meet the additional criteria:
- They are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or a temporary resident attending high school (not participating in an exchange program)
- They have a Canadian Tax Identification or Social Insurance Number.
Prizes - vary by award designation:
- National Winners: Trophy, Gold medal & certificate. All national winners will also be invited to attend the ACM Canadian Celebration of Women in Computing (October, Toronto). Travel and accommodation expenses will be paid for the winner and one guardian (if the winner is younger than 18).
- Local Winners: Gold medal & certificate
- Honorable Mentions: Silver medal & certificate
- Rising Stars: Bronze medal & certificate
- Educator Awardees: Cash prize & certificate
Eligibility for Canadian Educator Award Applicants:
Any educator (formal or informal), counselor, administrator, mentor, or other influencer who supports the computing-related passions of 9th-12th grade women, genderqueer, or non-binary students is welcome to apply, if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Applicant is a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Applicant has endorsed a student’s Award application for the current year.
- Applicant is not an NCWIT employee and has no immediate family relationship with employees, extended staff, contractors, or board members of NCWIT (including spouses, siblings, children, grandchildren, and persons residing in the same household)..
Educator Award Prizes:
Each Regional Affiliate Educator Award Winner will receive the following:
- Recognition at a Regional Affiliate Award event
- A $250 gift card from a location of their choosing.
- A certificate
Aspirations Canada Affiliates
Aspirations in Computing Canada is organized into three Regional Affiliates:
FAQs
- Are Canadian College/University students eligible for the NCWIT Collegiate Award? Not at this time.
- Are Canadian educators eligible for the NCWIT Educator Award? Yes, Canadian educators are eligible for the Canadian NCWIT Educator Award once they endorse a student for the High School Award.
- Are Canadian educators eligible to apply for up to $750 in professional development funds? Not at this time.
AiC Canada Supporters:
