The San Diego affiliate of the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) held their awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 17 at Qualcomm. The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) honors women in grades 9 through 12 who are active and interested in computing and technology, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award for AiC recipients are chosen for their demonstrated interest and achievements in computing, proven leadership ability, academic performance, and plans for post‑secondary education.
Mission Bay High School Junior Nina Morch and Sophomore Jaden Symon received San Diego Affiliate Honorable Mention awards.
Nina has been actively involved in robotics since she was six years old and hopes to continue through college and career. She is currently the mechanical lead on her robotics team and is proud to have won several design awards last year. Nina would like to apply her robotics knowledge to start robotics programs in middle schools to engage younger students.
Jaden became interested in software development and computer science at a young age. She has taken computer science classes not only at Mission Bay High, but outside of school as well to continue to develop her skills. Not only does she enjoy software development, but surfing and playing competitive sand volleyball.
Nina and Jaden are now part of a long-term community for female technologists, from K-12 through higher education and beyond, encouraging persistence in computing through continuous engagement and ongoing encouragement at each pivotal stage of their educational and professional development. They are part of a group of technically inclined girls and women are offered opportunities to learn through computing-related activities, network at virtual and in-person meetups, receive visibility for technical achievements, and grow leadership and entrepreneurial skills by leading computing outreach programs in their local communities. Additionally, they gain exclusive access to scholarships, internships, and job opportunities. All of these benefits are made possible by NCWIT Alliance Members, AiC peers in the network, and adult influencers who serve as volunteers and mentors. This collective investment is making a considerable and sustainable impact on future technology and innovation by increasing women’s meaningful participation.
The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing builds a talent pool for the growing technical workforce and helps academic and corporate organizations celebrate diversity in computing by honoring young women at the high-school level for their computing-related achievements and interests. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing; leadership ability; academic history; and plans for post-secondary education.
Also honored, SDUSD teacher, Shirley Miranda with the San Diego NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Educator Award for her contributions to computer science education in San Diego. She has had several regional NCWIT high school winners and one national winner over the years. The Aspirations in Computing Educator Award identifies outstanding educators who play a pivotal role in encouraging young women to explore their interest in computing and technology, and recognizes these educators for their efforts to promote gender equity in computing.
Congratulations to Nina, Jaden and Shirley!
