The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) honors high school 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. 

“In the classroom, Erika is an ideal student: engaged, enthused, and a true boon to the spirits of the class,” shared Upper School Science Teacher Sam Rauhala. “She is quick to both ask and answer questions and is also a stalwart partner and groupmate. Outside of the classroom is where Erika’s voracious appetite for learning about and engaging with technology is truly unleashed. Her commitment to her ongoing science fair work is unparalleled in my experience as a teacher. She also was accepted to two highly competitive programs this past summer. This interest outside of the classroom is perhaps not uncommon in competitive high school students, but the sincerity in her enthusiasm for the subject matter is what truly sets Erika apart.” 
 
NCWIT is a non-profit community that convenes, equips, and unites change leader organizations to increase the influential and meaningful participation of girls and women—at the intersections of race/ethnicity, class, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, and other historically marginalized identities—in the field of computing, particularly in terms of innovation and development.