Computer award offered

The National Center for Women and Information Technology is offering its annual award for young women with a strong interest and ability in technology, according to Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Will County regional superintendent of schools.

Sponsored by Bank of America, the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing showcases the technological abilities and spurs the ambitions of girls in grades 9-12.

Each national winner receives $500, a laptop computer, a trip to the Bank of America Technology Showcase and Awards Ceremony in Charlotte, N.C., on March 27, and engraved awards for herself and her school.

To qualify, applicants must be high school students and U.S. citizens who have demonstrated aptitude, interest and leadership ability in the computing field. Applicants should also have a good academic record and plan to continue their education after high school.

Applications, which must be submitted online, are available at www.ncwit.org/award. The deadline for submitting an application is Nov. 15. Questions can be e-mailed to aspirations@ncwit.org.

Applicants in Illinois will also be eligible for an Affiliate Award.