Award for Aspirations in Computing
To help bridge this gender and talent gap, and support, recognize and encourage young women in high school interested in computing and technology, Advance IT Minnesota announces it is hosting the first “Minnesota Aspirations for Women in Computing” award. Advance IT Minnesota is seeking young women in high school across the state with outstanding achievements and aspirations in technology to apply for the award online at www.aspirationsaward.org. Applications will be accepted through November 16, 2012. Click here for information to help you prepare to apply PreparingYourApplication.pdf
"Our goal with this award is to inspire young women to become our next, best, Minnesota-grown technologists," said Russell Fraenkel, Director of Collaborative Programs and Outreach at Advance IT Minnesota, the high-tech incubator run by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. The Minnesota award honors young women in grades 9-12 for their computingrelated achievements and interests. The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) created the award in 2007 to encourage the computing aspirations of young women, introduce them to leadership opportunities in the field and generate visibility for women’s participation in computing-related pursuits.
“Encouraging the interest of young women in technology is critical: our workforce needs their creativity and innovation,” said Lucy Sanders, CEO and cofounder of NCWIT. “This award helps us recognize and encourage talent that might otherwise be overlooked.”
Awards will be made based on the interests, accomplishments, and community involvement of young women in computing and technology, as well as for their aspirations in computing and technology-related fields. Prizes for the Minnesota award include iPads, cash prizes, and mentorship/job shadowing opportunities at Minnesota technology firms.
Winners will be chosen in December and honored during events hosted by Minnesota technology firms in the spring of 2013.
Read the full media release Media Release~ NR Advance IT Announces Aspirations Award 9-24-12.pdf
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