Shodor Student Wins NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing

Feb. 3, 2010 - PRLog -- Shodor student Ada Taylor has received the 2010 NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing. The award, sponsored by Bank of America and the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), recognizes young high school women for their computing-related achievements and interests as part of an effort to encourage more young women to choose careers in technology.

A total of 33 award-winners were selected from high schools across the country for their outstanding aptitude and interest in information technology and computing, solid leadership ability, good academic history, and plans for post-secondary education.

Each award-winner will receive:
•   $500 in cash
•   A laptop computer, provided by Bank of America
•   A trip to attend the Bank of America Technology Showcase and Awards Ceremony, March 27, 2010, in Charlotte, North Carolina
•   An engraved award for both the student and the student’s school

“Encouraging young women’s interest in technology careers is critical: our workforce needs their creativity and their innovation,” said Lucy Sanders, CEO and Co-founder of NCWIT.

“Shodor is proud of all of our students for the great work they do, and we are especially proud of Ada for receiving this award.” says Hillary Stoker, Shodor Intern and Communications Coordinator.

“I was definitely surprised and excited when I found out I was selected as a winner for this award,” says Taylor. “I love Shodor because it gives me the opportunity to learn more programming skills, and also to apply them in real-life situations, something most high schoolers and even college students don't get a chance to do. Learning this way, and having the opportunity to talk with Shodor mentors and peers about the things I am working on, really helps me gain a better understanding of what I’m learning. I also like the aspect of teaching others what I've learned and passing on my knowledge to them, which I am able to do through Shodor’s outreach programs,” Taylor adds.

Shodor, a national resource for computational science education, is located in Durham, N.C., and serves students and educators nationwide. In addition to developing and deploying interactive models, simulations, and educational tools, Shodor serves students and educators directly through workshops and other hands-on experiences.

Shodor offers innovative workshops helping faculty and teachers incorporate computational science into their own curricula or programs. For students from middle school through undergraduate levels of education, Shodor offers workshops, apprenticeships, internships and off-site programs that explore new approaches to math and science education through computational science.

Time and time again, Shodor has been recognized as a national leader and a premier resource in the effective use of computers to improve both math and science education.

NCWIT is the National Center for Women & Information Technology, a coalition of over 180 prominent corporations, academic institutions, government agencies, and nonprofits working to increase women's participation in IT. NCWIT's work spans K-12 and higher education through industry and academic careers. Find out more at www.ncwit.org.