Four Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts students received recognition in the National Center for Women and Information Technology Award for Aspirations in Computing.
Amy Hoang, a senior from Hartman, earned a National Certificate of Distinction in addition to being recognized on the regional level in this year’s program. Three other students — senior Ash Hong from North Little Rock, junior Vicky Zhu from El Dorado as well as sophomore Nasya Choy of Conway — received recognition as Regional Affiliate Winners for Arkansas.
The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing honors ninth- through 12th-grade women, genderqueer and non-binary students for their computing-related achievements and interests while encouraging them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education.
The Regional Affiliate Award program is hosted in 79 locations nationwide by NCWIT Alliance member organizations — a powerful, national network of universities, companies, nonprofits and government organizations working to increase the meaningful participation of girls and women from every community. It is sponsored by Apple, Bank of America, Microsoft and Motorola Solutions Foundation.
National Certificate of Distinction awardees are students who merit recognition and entry into the Aspirations in Computing community, according to the organization’s website. National award winners are selected by the NCWIT and Bank America representatives. Regional Affiliate winners are students who have significantly demonstrated interest and aptitude for computing. Regional awards are made by each individual affiliate.
Hoang, the nationally recognized student, plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville to major in nursing. She said being recognized as a female is empowering because it can show others that they can pursue a field that isn’t just male-dominated.
“I was really shocked when I found out that I was recognized on a national and state level because I had more experience with statistical analyses rather than coding,” Hoang said. “Getting recognized on a national level in addition to the state honor is really meaningful even though I don’t intend on being directly involved in a computer-related field.
“During my junior year at ASMSA, I completed my life science capstone project by doing data research on health sciences. Because of this, I was able to use computing, data and statistics to do research. As a nursing major, I think it’s important to understand that the people that you’re going to care for. Getting recognized nationally is rewarding to the field I’m pursuing because computing will provide better quality care in the future.”
Zhu plans to attend college at a STEM research university in the northeastern United States while majoring in computer science. She said it is important for young women to be recognized with this kind of honor.
“This honor means gives me confidence that the STEM area is an area I’m capable of going into,” Zhu said. “I have been interested in the STEM area for a long time, but I was never sure if this was the right path for me.
“For many STEM research schools, the ratio of men to women is 2:1. If young women get recognized with this kind of honor, more young women will be confident in themselves in being in the STEM field.”
Hong plans on attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for college, majoring in computer science and engineering. Hong was surprised but excited to find out about the recognition from the regional affiliate.
“It’s important for young women and non-binary people to be recognized because the field of computer science is often male dominated and exclusive at times,” Hong said. “By recognizing those who are often excluded, it highlights the importance of representation and allows others to step into the spotlight and add significant contributions to the field.”
Choy said she was surprised to find out she had been recognized because she hasn’t had as much experience in technology. She plans to major in either mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering.
“It’s very important to recognize young women, genderqueer and non-binary students for their hard work in technology because they aren’t given enough credit for what they do,” Choy said. “This award gives recognition to students who deserve more representation.”