Technologist Winkler named winner

ODESSA – A little over one year ago, Odessa High School’s Chloe Winkler, now a junior, began coursework in computer science and programming in science teacher Jeff Wehr’s science department. Curious about the computer sciences, she showed interest in becoming a computer programmer and pursued coding-related projects. She has now learned more than five computer-science languages, including Q-Basic, R-Basic, JAVA, CSS, HTML and Python. Wehr says she is one of the top five coders he has ever taught.

In her science courses, Winkler has won many regional, state and national awards. On Feb. 10, 2021, she added another prestigious award to her repertoire. She was named the 2021 Eastern Washington Affiliate Winner of the Aspirations in Computing (AiC) award presented by the National Center for Women and Information Technology or NCWIT. The Center provides a long-term support community for female technologists in grades K-12 and on up through higher education and beyond. The award encourages persistence in computing through continuous engagement and ongoing encouragement at each pivotal stage in their educational and professional development. Winkler’s outstanding leadership, exceptional academic history and forward-thinking ability have distinguished her as a remarkable young woman passionate about computing and technology. On May 8, the NCWIT will hold a virtual celebration of this achievement at the Brelsford Center on the Washington State University campus in Pullman, Wash.

According to its website at https://www.aspirations.org/recognitions/AiCAward, the NCWIT award for Aspirations in Computing honors female students in grades nine through 12 for their computing-related achievements and interests and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access and plans for post-secondary education. Since 2007, more than 17,000 students have received an AiC award.

The multi-tiered award designations are Winner, Honorable Mention, Rising Star and Certificate of Distinction at National and Regional Affiliate levels that serve all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, all U.S. overseas military bases and Canada. NCWIT Alliance member organizations – a national network of universities, companies, non-profits and government organizations working to increase the influence and meaningful participation of girls and women – host Regional Affiliate Award programs at 79 locations nationwide. Apple, Bank of America, Microsoft and Motorola Solutions Foundation are sponsors of the NCWIT Award for AiC.