Hamilton High School senior Madeline Tharp was awarded the 2021 Wisconsin NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing. The award, sponsored by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), recognizes high school females for their computing-related achievements and interests to encourage more young women to choose careers in technology. Tharp is one of 127 recipients in the state.
Award-winners were selected from high schools across Wisconsin for their outstanding aptitude and interest in information technology and computing, solid leadership ability, tenacity in the face of barriers to access and plans for post-secondary education.
Tharp will receive engraved awards for herself and Hamilton High School, an opportunity to compete for a computer science scholarship and internship, an invitation to join the Aspirations in Computing community and other assorted merchandise from NCWIT, technology companies and universities.
“Encouraging young women’s interest in technology careers is critical. Our workforce needs their creativity and their innovation,” said Lucy Sanders, NCWIT CEO and cofounder.
NCWIT is a non-profit community of more than 1,240 universities, companies, non-profits and government organizations nationwide working to increase women’s participation in computing and technology. It equips change leaders with resources for taking action in recruiting, retaining and advancing women from K-12 and higher education through industry and entrepreneurial careers.