NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award (Part 2): Application Process Demystified, Analysis of My Application, and Tips/Tricks for Future Applicants

Welcome to the second blog in my NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Award series! In my first post, I introduced NCWIT and its flagship program, the AiC Award, and discussed why its mission matters and how it empowers women to work in computational fields. In this post, I’ll discuss the application process, analyze what worked for me, and share tips and tricks to help you craft a standout submission!

Whether you’re just getting started or looking for ways to make your application stand out, this guide will walk you through every step of the process with practical advice and insights!

NCWIT AiC Application Process Diagram

The Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create Your Account

   The first step is creating an account on Aspirations.org. During registration, you’ll choose a username and password, set up multi-factor authentication (MFA), and complete your contact information. I recommend enabling both email and SMS authentication to avoid any login issues later.

   
   

2. Complete Your Profile

   Your profile includes essential details like your mailing address, school information, and Regional Affiliate selection. Make sure everything is accurate, as it determines your eligibility for regional awards.

   • School Selection Tip: If your school isn’t listed, use the "Can't find your school?" option to manually add it. Home-schooled applicants can use this feature too.

   • Parent/Guardian Approval: Applicants under 18 must request approval, but don’t stress—it can be done after you start the application. Send the request early to ensure it’s completed before the final deadline.

     
     

3. Start the Application

   The AiC Award application is divided into sections. Each section is filled with multiple choice and short answer questions:

   • Experience with Technology: Share your journey, skills, and projects. Be detailed and specific.

     • (Optional, but I highly recommend) Example URLs: Include links to portfolios, websites, or project documentation to strengthen your application.

   • Future Plans: Describe your vision for how technology will shape your future. Explain how you’d use technology to address a social, technical, or global issue.

   • Activities: List the additional technological activities you're involved in (for example, game design).

   • Access to Computing/Technology: Describe the amount of access you have to computing and technology. Provide reasons of any barriers.

     
     

4. Submit Your Application

   Before submitting, review each section carefully. The system won’t let you make edits after submission. Look for typos, incomplete answers, and missing details.

   
   

5. Request Educator Endorsement

   After submission, request an endorsement from a teacher, mentor, or educator who knows your work well. Make sure to notify your endorser ahead of time about the process.

   
   

As a general reminder, the deadlines for the application and endorsement are always separate, with the application deadline coming first, followed by the endorsement deadline. Be sure to check the official NCWIT website for the specific dates when you're preparing to apply to ensure everything is submitted on time!

Analysis of My Application: What Worked

The AiC Award application offers a unique opportunity to showcase your personal journey, skills, and aspirations. Each section of the application is a chance to tell your story and make an impact. Here’s how I approached each part of my application, along with why I believe it stood out.

Experience with Technology

For this section, I shared my journey into technology, starting with my earliest interests and how they evolved over time. I focused on pivotal experiences, such as discovering programming through early courses, expanding my skills in competitive programming, and engaging in advanced projects during my internship with a university.

I detailed how these experiences helped me develop technical skills in programming languages and technologies, as well as how they shaped my problem-solving abilities. I also shared challenges I faced and how I overcame them by becoming resourceful and independent in my learning.

What Worked:

• Storytelling: I wove a narrative about my journey, rather than just listing technical skills. This gave context to my achievements and demonstrated growth.

• Specific Examples: I highlighted hands-on projects, competitions, and independent research that showcased my dedication and initiative.

• Optional URLs: I included links to portfolios, research projects, and apps I’ve developed. These provided tangible proof of my work and allowed reviewers to look at my achievements further.

Future Plans

In this section, I described my vision for the future and how I see technology shaping my career. I emphasized my passion for using technology to address real-world problems, particularly in areas where I can improve quality of life and expand human potential.

I discussed a specific area I’m passionate about and how I hope to engineer products that use artificial intelligence. I made sure to connect this vision to the skills and experiences I’ve gained so far to demonstrate that my goals are both ambitious and achievable.

What Worked:

• Clear Vision: I provided a vivid picture of how I see technology playing a central role in my future.

• Social Impact: I framed my goals around solving real-world problems, making my aspirations meaningful and relatable.

• Connection to Past Experiences: By tying my vision to my past achievements, I showed that I have the foundation to pursue these goals.

Activities

Here, I highlighted additional activities that complemented my interest in technology. These included my involvement in research, hackathons, and teaching roles where I mentored younger students in programming and app development.

I also focused on leadership roles, such as organizing workshops and leading initiatives, to demonstrate my ability to inspire and guide others. I emphasized how these activities allowed me to grow both as a woman in STEM and as a leader.

What Worked:

• Breadth and Depth: I showcased a wide range of activities, from research to teaching, and emphasized their impact on my growth.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Highlighting roles where I supported others added a new dimension to my application, as it showed that I’m not just passionate about technology but also about sharing knowledge.

Access to Computing/Technology

In this section, I provided an honest account of the barriers I’ve faced, such as having parents who weren’t familiar with technology. I explained how these challenges shaped my independence and determination, and how they inspired me to create things and start initiatives that address disparities in access to education.

What Worked:

• Authenticity: Sharing personal struggles made my application relatable and showed resilience.

• Problem-Solving Mindset: I connected my challenges to my motivation for creating educational tools and mentoring programs, demonstrating initiative.

Choosing My Endorser

For my endorsement, I selected a staff member from my school whose known me for the past three years and knows a lot about my AI research, competitions, and leadership roles. Her deep understanding of my work allowed her to provide a detailed and personalized endorsement that highlighted my achievements and potential.

What Worked:

• Relevance: Choosing someone who could speak to both my technical abilities and leadership experience strengthened my application.

• Ability to View Application: Before filling out the endorsement, she was able to see my application, which ensured that she had a clear understanding of my contributions and work.

By approaching each section of the application with authenticity, specificity, and a focus on growth, I was able to create a submission that told a compelling story. The AiC Award application is your chance to showcase not just what you’ve done, but who you are and what you aspire to achieve. Use this analysis to guide your own responses and make your application shine!

Tips and Tricks for a Standout Application

Crafting a winning NCWIT AiC Award application requires more than just following instructions—it’s about showcasing your unique story and potential. Here are some practical tips I have:

1. Connect the Dots Across Sections

   Treat your application as a cohesive narrative. Use each section to build on the last, creating a story that flows naturally and highlights different facets of your skills, experiences, and aspirations.

   
   

   For example, if you discuss a research project in Experience with Technology, connect it to your career goals in Future Plans to show how your past experiences align with your vision.

   
   

2. Be Strategic with Supporting Links

   Including URLs to your work is optional but highly recommended. Ensure that every link adds value to your application:

   • Link to relevant and well-organized projects that showcase your skills (e.g., GitHub repos, apps, or portfolios).

   • Use captions or descriptions to provide context for each link, so reviewers immediately understand its significance.

     
     

3. Highlight Overlooked Skills

   Go beyond technical skills to emphasize complementary strengths, such as problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership.

   • For example, if you mentored younger students or led a team in a hackathon, frame it as evidence of your ability to guide and inspire others, which is critical for success in STEM fields.

     
     

4. Turn Challenges into Triumphs

   Use the Access to Computing/Technology section to discuss any barriers you’ve faced. This is your chance to show resilience and resourcefulness:

   • Discuss how you overcame limited resources or a lack of guidance by seeking out opportunities, teaching yourself, or etc.

   • Frame challenges as growth opportunities that shaped your skills and character.

     
     

5. Be Specific in Your Future Plans

   When describing your career aspirations, paint a vivid picture of the impact you want to make.

   • Instead of saying, “I want to work in AI,” describe a specific project or problem you want to tackle.

   • Connect your goals to larger societal benefits to make your vision more compelling.

     
     

6. Tailor Your Educator Endorsement

   Choose an endorser who knows you well and can provide detailed insights into your work.

   • Pro Tip: Select someone who has seen you excel in multiple contexts and fields. For instance, my endorser could speak to my technical skills, research accomplishments, and leadership due to the various contexts she's seen me in.

     
     

7. Showcase Progress, Not Just Perfection

   Don’t shy away from discussing projects that didn’t go as planned or areas where you’re still growing. Reviewers value authenticity and growth.

   • Highlight lessons learned from challenges or failures and explain how they shaped your approach to problem-solving.

     
     

8. Balance Breadth and Depth in Activities

   In the Activities section, aim for a mix of breadth (showcasing diverse experiences) and depth (exploring key achievements in detail).

   • For example, mention a variety of activities, such as hackathons, research projects, and teaching roles, but dive deeper into one or two that had the most significant impact on your journey.

     
     

9. Leverage Small Details

   Details make your application memorable. Instead of generic statements like “I love coding,” include specific anecdotes.

   
   

10. Proofread with Fresh Eyes

    After finishing your application, step away for a day or two, then return to it with a fresh perspective. This will help you spot areas for improvement or unnecessary repetition.

    • Bonus Tip: Ask a trusted mentor or peer to review your application. They may notice gaps or strengths you’ve overlooked.

By incorporating these tips, you’ll not only complete the application but also present yourself as a well-rounded, driven individual with a clear vision for the future. Remember, your story is unique—use this advice to help make it stand out.

Concluding Thoughts

The NCWIT AiC Award application is more than just a form—it's a platform to share your unique journey, passions, and potential. By approaching each section with authenticity, detail, and purpose, you can craft an application that tells a compelling story about who you are and what you aspire to achieve.

The insights I’ve shared—both from my experience and lessons learned—are here to guide you. Whether it’s using your challenges to highlight your resilience, connecting the dots across sections, or leveraging overlooked skills, every detail matters in making your application stand out.

Remember, your story is unique, and your voice matters. Take your time, embrace the process, and let your passion for technology shine through. If you’re ready to take the next step, visit the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing website to start your application. You’ve got this!

Which part of the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Award application do you find most challenging?

• Writing the personal statement or story
• Gathering and organizing supporting materials
• Getting educator endorsements
• Describing your future plans and impact in technology

About the Author:

I'm Jophy Lin, a high school junior and researcher. I blog about a variety of topics, such as STEM research, competitions, shows, and my experiences in the scientific community. If you’re interested in research tips, competition insights, drama reviews, personal reflections on STEM opportunities, and other related topics, subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated!