SMITHFIELD – Eight students and two information technology educators received the National Center for Women & Information Technology Award for Aspirations in Computing recently.
The nonprofit NCWIT, and its Rhode Island affiliates, Roger Williams University and Tech Collective, recognized the winners April 28 at Fidelity Investments.
Through the award, young women at the high school level are honored for their computing-related achievements and interests. Awardees also are selected for their proven leadership ability, academic history and plans for post-secondary education. Educators who demonstrate passion and commitment in engaging their students in the technology fields also are recognized.
“Tech Collective congratulates this year’s NCWIT RI Aspirations in Computing recipients,” JoAnn Johnson, manager of youth and education programs for Tech Collective, said in a statement. “These eight bright young women have demonstrated their passion and abilities in computer science and engineering. We are excited to recognize their achievements and look forward to their continued success both as students as well as future members of Rhode Island’s workforce. Congratulations also to both of the educators, who are playing a critical role in engaging and educating students.”
Student Award recipients are:
- Katelyn Costello, Scituate High School
- Portia Gaitskell, Lincoln School
- Abigail Dedglen, South Kingstown High School
- Lydia Lee, Chariho High School
- Allison Paul, Lasalle Academy
- Meaghan Robert, Scituate High School
- Tasia Terrell; Rogers High School
- Renee Tremblay, Mt. Hope High School
Educator Award recipients are:
- Nicholas Bousquet, Scituate High School
- Michael Deslauriers, Smithfield High School
Johnson, also committee co-chair for the Rhode Island NCWIT, delivered welcoming remarks at the event.
“NCWIT’s work leverages programs from organizations across the country, and connects efforts to increase women’s participation in information technology along the entire pipeline, from K-12 and higher education through industry and academic careers,” Kathy Zettl-Schaffer, regional affiliate manager for the National Center of Women and Information Technology, said. “The Rhode Island affiliate of the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing is a wonderful example of this collaborative effort led by dedicated volunteers.”
Brooke Forbes, senior vice president of technology, Fidelity Investments, said Fidelity “is proud to partner with NCWIT, Roger Williams University and Tech Collaborative to host these awards, and to celebrate the young women who are passionately pursuing their interest in technology, and the educators who inspire and encourage them.”
This is the fourth year the Aspiration Awards have been presented in Rhode Island.
