Each year, the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) program receives thousands of amazing award applications from eligible students across the country who are interested in tech. To select the national and regional award recipients, volunteers of all experience levels are needed to review and score each submission. It’s a simple and inspiring way to help identify and shape the future leaders within computing, technology, and STEM fields!
Great Reasons to Volunteer
Volunteer reviewers are crucial in recognizing and encouraging current students, as well as their educators and mentors.
Volunteering as a reviewer is a rewarding and convenient way to:
1️⃣ Uplift inspiring students who are the future of tech
2️⃣ Help build a supportive #AiCcommunity that celebrates achievements and encourages persistence
3️⃣ Get involved online from anywhere, at your own pace
➕ Volunteers who complete 20 or more reviews will also receive a certificate — a wonderful addition to your professional portfolio!
Find more details about the commitments and experience required online at aspirations.org, and check with your company to see if being a volunteer application reviewer qualifies as required corporate volunteer hours!
2026 NCWITAiC Review Periods
For the #NCWITAiC Aspirations in Computing Awards seasons, the volunteer reviewer schedule is as follows:
NCWIT Aspirations in Computing High School Award
October 23, 2025 - November 20, 2025
NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Collegiate Award
Round one: November 20, 2025 - December 17, 2025
Final round: February 5, 2026 – March 9, 2026
*Technical experience required
Become a Volunteer Today!
To get started, visit aspirations.org and click “REGISTER” in the top navigation bar. This directs to the secure registration portal where volunteers can select the “Award Reviewer” account type at the bottom of the page.
To create an account, simply provide a valid email address and set your password. When signed in, volunteers can request reviews, and the AiC team will assign a batch of the minimum required applications to review. Each review takes an average of 10 – 25 minutes to complete.
Holiday Give-Back Goal: Review Award Apps
Looking for a way to feel and express your gratitude this season? The upcoming holidays are a great time to review award applications and be thankful that so many talented young people and passionate educators are interested in computing and technology and devoted to broadening participation! #BPC
You can also encourage a colleague or friend to become a volunteer reviewer with our Encouragement Form.
Learn on Demand with AiC
If you have questions, each award has an online training module with detailed instructions that reviewers are strongly encouraged to complete:
- Volunteer Reviewer Instructions
- Coming soon:
- High School Award Volunteer Reviewer Training Module
- Collegiate Award Volunteer Reviewer Training Module
Volunteers with additional questions are also welcome to send an email to [email protected].