NCWIT Aspirations in Computing at the FIRST Robotics Championships in Houston
Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology, the FIRST Robotics Competition aims to be the ultimate sport for the mind. Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship. For back-to-back weeks in April, more than 70,000 people from around the world – plus 1,300 robots – will travel to Houston and Detroit to celebrate inspiring young innovators, leaders, and changemakers at the 2019 FIRST Championship presented by Qualcomm Incorporated.
Thursday, April 18, 2019 (All day) to Saturday, April 20, 2019 (All day)
Follow @NCWITAiC on Twitter and Instagram, as well as the hashtags #NCWITatFIRST and #FIRSTChamp
Where can you find NCWIT?
Meetup
NCWIT AiC Community Meetup // Saturday, April 20, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. CDT // Location: GRB - 330 B
You are invited to a special breakfast reception just for technical women at the FIRST Championships, hosted by NCWIT and our friends at FIRST! All women ages 13 and older who are currently in 8th grade or above, and their women teammates, as well as teachers, parents, mentors, and coaches are invited to attend. This is your opportunity to network and learn about opportunities, internships, and scholarships available through AiC.
You've worked hard to get here, so take a break on us. There will be food, music, and door prizes! Not attending FIRST? No problem! It is free of charge to come to their event; just stop at their check-in/registration to get a badge (required to enter) - so make sure to leave a little extra time.
Please RSVP (you may do so for yourself and others) so we know how much food to order and how many prizes to bring!!
Special Sessions
2019 #ALLIn Town Hall // Friday, April 19, 2019, 11:30 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. CDT // Location: GRB - 360 BCEF
FIRST is excited to present the 2019 #ALLIn Town Hall. Interactive, engaging, empowering, inspiring, and collaborative are just a few words to describe this year's new event. Diverse individuals and communities enhance the value of science, technology, engineering, and math, and they contribute tremendously to STEM fields. Let's celebrate the accomplishments and the journey of professional women, professionals of color, and the LBGTQ+ communities in STEM, while inspiring and motivating all youth to LOVE STEM! The goal of this Town Hall is to provide youth and other community stakeholders the opportunity to interact with leaders and representatives on issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
co-presented by NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Recognitions Program Manager Erika Karsh
Building a Community of Technical Women: The Power of the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award in Underrepresented Communities // Friday, April 19, 2019, 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. CDT // Location: GRB - 370 CF
The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Award has recognized more than 12,000 technical women and adopted them into a nationwide community where members are eager to support each other and see the next generation of young women succeed. Research shows that providing cohesive communities like these is critical to producing an inclusive environment where all underrepresented students thrive and feel connected. Participants will learn how they can encourage high school women to apply for the Award for AiC and why supportive communities are so important to recruiting and retaining underrepresented students in computing and technology.
presented by NCWIT AspireIT Program Manager Kate Pickle
Booth
Booth 1108
Stop by the NCWIT booth, say hello to the Aspirations in Computing team, and learn how NCWIT can support you in pursuing your tech dreams!
For more information about the FIRST Robotics Championships, visit the event webpage.
