The Final Push: Clear the CWIT Conference Waitlist Before June 30
The Center for Women in Technology (CWIT) at UMBC prepares the next generation of diverse leaders in computing and engineering. One of the most transformative opportunities we provide is sending our Scholars and Affiliates to premier national conferences—including the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC), Tapia Celebration of Diversity, and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Conference.
Every fall, these events serve as career-defining milestones where CWIT students connect with industry leaders, secure competitive internships, and launch their professional journeys.
The Critical Challenge
Historically, corporate donor support has allowed us to send 17 to 20 students to these conferences each year. However, due to a sudden shift in our funding landscape, we are facing a critical gap as our fiscal year comes to a close.
The reality for our students this fall is stark:
- 50 brilliant CWIT students applied for conference funding.
- 8 students are currently funded by our remaining budget.
- 10 students who would normally be guaranteed a spot are currently waiting for funding.
We have the talent and the passion, but we drastically lack the resources to get them there.
How You Can Help Today
As we approach the June 30 fiscal year deadline, we are making one final appeal to our alumni, friends, and community. Your tax-deductible gift today will have an immediate, direct impact on whether we can get these 10 waitlisted students into the room where it happens this autumn.
Every dollar brings a student closer to their career launch:
- $50 – $250 → Helps cover student travel and meals
- $500 – $1,000 → Supports conference registration and lodging
- $2,000+ → Fully funds one student’s entire conference experience
💬 "I gained a lot of insights and motivation to do better, to step outside my comfort zone, and to put in a lot of work every day to help myself and my academic career. As a first gen student, I feel like out of all the conferences I have attended, this one spoke to me the most and really boosted my confidence." - CWIT Affiliate, 2024 Grace Hopper Celebration participant
The clock is ticking
Beyond the fiscal year deadline, we must secure registrations, book flights, and lock in lodging this summer before conference deadlines close and travel options fill up. Please consider investing in the next generation of CWIT excellence today to help us clear the waitlist and get these students ready to go.
All contributions are administered by the UMBC Foundation, Inc., for the benefit of UMBC.
