Kean University Hosts NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Awards
Kean University hosted the 2017 National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) New Jersey Aspirations in Computing Awards on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. Now in its third consecutive year, the annual awards are dedicated to recognizing and encouraging female achievement in computer science and information technology. 70 high school students and two educators were honored at the event.
"We look forward to hosting the NCWIT NJ Aspirations in Computing celebration each year at Kean,” said Patricia Morreale, Ph.D., executive director, Kean University, School of Computer Science. "These students, recognized for their accomplishments in CS and IT now, are our next generation of technology experts. We're so fortunate in New Jersey to have such a strong community of students interested in CS and IT."
Richard Bell of Cranford High School, received the 2017 NCWIT Educator Award. Bell has taught math and computer science at Cranford High School for the past 14 years. He has an undergraduate degree in Applied Mathematics and a Masters in Instructional Technology. In addition to teaching mathematics, computer science and game theory, Bell also serves as an advisor to Cranford High School’s Computer Honors Society which recently partnered with a local Girl Scout troop to host an Hour of Code event.
The 2017 NJ Aspirations in Computing Awards were presented by Lina Klebanov of Tata Consultancy Services and Cary Naude, Chief Operating Officer of Everest Re. Speakers included: George Chang, Ph.D., Dean, Kean University, College of Applied and Natural Sciences; Hillary McDonald of Tata Consultancy Services; and Avis Yates Rivers, President and CEO, Technology Concepts Group. Rivers is a founding National Board member of NCWIT. Kean University professor and Association for Computing Machinery's Council on Women in Computing (ACM-W) at Kean advisor Jenny Li, Ph.D., planned and organized the event.
“The objective behind organizing this event was to inspire more female high school students to take up computer science, and to promote the awareness of our new ACM-W chapter as well,” said Li.
Encouraging and advocating female participation in the technology field is the mission of every ACM-W student chapter. The Aspirations in Computing Awards provide a long-term community for female technologists, from K-12 through higher education and beyond, promoting continued academic and professional achievement. To view the full list of winners visit: https://www.aspirations.org/awardees.