National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)

Mission:
NCWIT is dedicated to broadening participation in computing by increasing the meaningful involvement of women and underrepresented groups across the technology ecosystem. The organization aims to expand access to critical knowledge and opportunities in computing, ensuring that all students and employees can thrive in science and technology fields.

Who NCWIT Serves:

• Individuals of all backgrounds, including K-12 students, higher education students, educators, counselors, and industry professionals.
• NCWIT’s network includes more than 1,600 member organizations spanning K-12, higher education, and industry sectors nationwide.

Programs and Services:

• K-12 Programs: Engage students in computing experiences tailored to their interests, provide real-life role models, and celebrate persistence. Programs foster both virtual and in-person communities at local, regional, and national levels.
• Higher Education Initiatives: Support curriculum structuring for student success, analyze recruitment and retention trends, and recognize outstanding students and faculty. Programs also focus on securing strategic buy-in for lasting institutional change.
• Workforce Programs: Offer research, data, and strategic approaches to help companies create inclusive environments and engage all employees. Volunteer opportunities connect professionals with the next generation of technologists.
• Signature Initiatives:
• Aspirations in Computing (AiC): Provides encouragement and support for students in technology from K-12 through career, combating isolation and enabling long-term persistence.
• BridgeUP STEM: Connects low-income, first-generation Atlanta-area high school students interested in computing with mentors and faculty from Georgia Tech College of Computing.
• Counselors for Computing (C4C): Equips counselors with resources to guide students toward computing careers.
• TeachEngineering: Offers a free, classroom-tested, standards-aligned K-12 STEM resource library for educators nationwide.
• Events and Resources: Hosts the NCWIT Summit, the world’s largest annual convening of change leaders in computing, and provides a variety of in-person and virtual events, publications, and research-based resources.

Eligibility and Access:

• NCWIT’s resources and programs are available nationally, including to residents of Louisa County, VA and surrounding regions. Many offerings are accessible virtually, making them available regardless of geographic location.

Impact and Approach:

• NCWIT’s initiatives are grounded in research and designed to address gaps in the STEM talent pipeline, ensuring U.S. competitiveness in science and technology. The organization collaborates with educational institutions, industry partners, and community organizations to create sustainable, data-driven change.

Partnerships:

• NCWIT works with a wide range of supporters and partners to provide infrastructure for collaborative efforts across education and industry, opening new career pathways and fostering environments where all can innovate and succeed.