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.
Current Initiatives
Regional initiatives are currently being offered in the following areas.
Alabama
To learn more about efforts to increase women’s participation in computing in Alabama, read the press release and additional press coverage below:
- Alabama Selected as First Region to Benefit from Multi-Million Dollar Digital Skills Education Grant Received by the National Center for Women & Information Technology
- The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Announces Technical Skills Training Opportunities for Women in Alabama
Generously funded by the Cognizant U.S. Foundation.
Michigan
To learn more about efforts to increase women’s participation in computing in Michigan, read the press release and additional press coverage below:
Generously funded by the Cognizant U.S. Foundation.
Pennsylvania
NCWIT will work with change leaders in education and industry in Pittsburgh, PA to share opportunities and build infrastructure to increase the meaningful participation of a diverse range of women and girls in computing. Read the press release and additional press coverage below:
- NCWIT to Expand Regional Initiatives Program in Pittsburgh, PA with Support from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation
- National Center for Women and Information Technology Expands Programming to Pittsburgh
Generously funded by the Henry L. Hillman Foundation.
San Diego, California
To connect and sustain work within the San Diego computing ecosystem, and to amplify efforts and leverage partnerships within the DSEC consortium in the San Diego region, NCWIT will partner with UCSD CREATE on a K-16 focused Regional Initiative in San Diego.
- NCWIT Program Equips School Counselors to Increase Students’ Awareness of Pathways Into Computer Science
- CREATE at UC San Diego Leading San Diego Affiliate NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Award Program for Women, Genderqueer, & Non-Binary Students
Generously funded by the DOD STEM.
NCWIT plans to accelerate regional impact nationwide. Stay tuned for more opportunities.
To learn more, contact the Regional Initiatives Team at [email protected].