UK, Department of Education to Recognize Nine High School Women for Computing Achievements
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 25, 2015) — As part of an effort to encourage more young women to choose careers in technology, the University of Kentucky, the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) and the Department of Education Student Technical Leadership Program (STLP) will recognize nine high-school women for their accomplishments and aspirations in computing and technology. The award event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at Rupp Arena.
The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing is a program of the National Center for Women and Information Technology, a coalition of over 450 universities, corporations and organizations dedicated to increasing the meaningful participation of women in computing. The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing was created to acknowledge 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. Award-winners have been selected for their outstanding aptitude and interest in computing and desire to pursue computing-related studies of occupations. The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing program is sponsored nationally by AT&T, Bank of America, Bloomberg and Microsoft with additional support from Google, Intel, Motorola Solutions Foundation and Northrop Grumman.
The Kentucky area 2015 winners are:
- Taylor Bowman, Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, Bowling Green
- Anika Singh, Eastern High School, Louisville
- Sarah Schwartz, Dupont Manual High School, Louisville
- Cejay Moore, South Warren High School, Bowling Green
- Hannah Bewley, Mercy Academy, Louisville
- Ceceley Ford, Monroe County High School, Thompkinsville
- Rachael Buckel, Mercy Academy, Louisville
- Taryn Rauenzahn, West Jessamine High, Nicholasville - Runnerup
"These awards are very important as they honor young high school women for their computing-related achievements," said Sue Scheff, co-chair of the Kentucky Girls STEM Collaborative Project. "We strive to increase girls' interest in the STEM fields, especially computer science where in 2012 only 18 percent of computer and information science undergraduate degrees nationally were awarded to women."
UK, the Kentucky Department of Education STLP and the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing is a collaborative effort by dedicated volunteers. Find out more at www.ncwit.org.
For information on the Kentucky Girls STEM Collaborative Project contact Sue Scheff, suescheff@uky.edu.