Computing is one of the most powerful and influential fields shaping society today. Yet women—especially at the intersections of race/ethnicity, class, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, and other historically marginalized identities—are underrepresented, impeding their participation as innovators and leaders shaping the future.
NCWIT’s Regional Initiatives bundle research-backed programs and practices to increase the local participation of women and girls in tech fields and careers. To understand local computing ecosystems, and cater content and programming to needs on the ground, NCWIT partners with community stakeholders to build awareness, inspire participation, and connect women to like-minded peers, role models, and opportunities.
Working with communities that have emergent tech hubs, active leadership, state-wide support for CS education, and potential for pipeline growth, especially with women and other underrepresented groups, change-leading representatives from NCWIT and local partner organizations unite to form regional, action-oriented coalitions.
Regional Initiatives are fully customizable, drawing on a range of programming and resources. Some common components include providing inspiration and opportunities for girls and women in high school, college, and the workforce through the Aspirations in Computing program, equipping educators, counselors, and administrators with knowledge, resources and actionable steps to increase recruitment and retention in the field through Counselors for Computing and Academic Learning Circles. This project also helps build inclusive cultures in the workforce through “Innovation, Culture, and You” workshops.
