National Center for Women & Information Technology

National Center for Women & Information Technology is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the meaningful participation of women in the field of computer science and information technology. Founded in 2004, it operates as a consortium of over 1,500 organizations, including corporations, academic institutions, government agencies, and non-profits. The organization is renowned for its evidence-based research, advocacy, and programs aimed at reforming systemic practices from K–12 education through the corporate workforce. Its headquarters are located at the University of Colorado Boulder.

History and founding

The organization was established in 2004 through a grant from the National Science Foundation, with founding partners including the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of California, Berkeley, and the Association for Computing Machinery. Key founders were Lucy Sanders, then a senior executive at AT&T Bell Labs; Robert Schnabel, former dean of the Indiana University Bloomington School of Informatics; and Telle Whitney, former president and CEO of the Anita Borg Institute. The creation was a direct response to the alarming decline in women's participation in computer science that began after its peak in the mid-1980s. Early support also came from major technology firms like Microsoft, Intel, and Google, recognizing the strategic and economic imperative of a diverse technology workforce.

Mission and programs

The core mission is to correct the imbalance of gender representation in information technology by inspiring, educating, and employing women. Its programs are structured across the entire talent pipeline. For younger students, initiatives like **Aspirations in Computing** recognize high school and collegiate women for their computing-related achievements. The **K–12 Alliance** works directly with educators and school districts to improve computer science education and access. At the collegiate level, the **Academic Alliance** provides resources to over 700 university and college members to recruit and retain women in computing majors. For professionals, the **Workforce Alliance** partners with corporations to implement inclusive hiring and retention practices, while **Entrepreneurship** programs support women-led tech startups.

Research and impact

The organization is a leading producer of actionable research on women in technology. Its seminal reports, such as the annual "Women in Tech: The Facts," provide comprehensive data on topics like the gender pay gap, retention rates, and the state of diversity in Silicon Valley. This research has informed policy discussions at the White House and the U.S. Congress, and is frequently cited by organizations like the American Association of University Women and the World Economic Forum. Studies on the effectiveness of its interventions, such as the impact of the **Aspirations in Computing** community, have been published in peer-reviewed venues like the journal *Computer Science Education*. The data consistently shows that participants in its programs are significantly more likely to pursue and persist in computing degrees and careers.

Key initiatives and awards

A flagship initiative is the **NCWIT Aspirations in Computing** program, which includes an award ceremony often held in partnership with major sponsors like Bank of America and Apple Inc.. The **Pacesetters** program challenges top companies and universities to accelerate the increase of women in technical roles within a set timeframe. The **Extension Services for Undergraduate Programs** provides consulting to academic departments seeking to transform their culture. Notable awards administered include the **NCWIT Pioneer Award**, which has honored figures like Katherine Johnson of NASA, and the **Harold and Inge Marcus Department Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Award** for institutional change. The organization also manages the **Social Science Advisory Board** to guide its research agenda.

Organizational structure and partners

Structurally, it is organized into several strategic alliances—Academic, Workforce, Entrepreneurial, and K–12—each with its own advisory board. It is governed by a board of directors comprising leaders from industry and academia, and is supported by a **National Science Foundation** grant. Its consortium includes premier partners such as Apple Inc., Microsoft, Google, IBM, and Northrop Grumman, as well as hundreds of universities like the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Texas at Austin. Key implementation partners also include non-profits like **Girls Who Code** and the **Computer Science Teachers Association**. The central office in Boulder, Colorado coordinates this vast network, facilitating the exchange of best practices and resources nationwide.

Category:Computer science organizations Category:Women's organizations in the United States Category:Organizations based in Boulder, Colorado Category:Educational organizations based in the United States