Send CWIT Students to Premier National Tech Conferences
The Center for Women in Technology (CWIT) at UMBC is preparing the next generation of diverse leaders in computing and engineering. Our Scholars and Affiliates excel in the classroom, land competitive internships, and step into the workforce ready to drive innovation in the tech industry.
One of the most transformative opportunities CWIT provides is sending students to premier national diversity conferences like the Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Conference.
At these events, students connect with industry executives, attend hands-on technical workshops and participate in hackathons, line up internship or job interviews, and build their professional networks. They return to campus with renewed confidence, expanded career horizons, and a deep sense of belonging in tech.
Our Goal: Send 5 Students This Year ($10,000)
Attending a national conference can change the trajectory of a student’s career, but the costs of registration, travel, and lodging can be prohibitive.
Our goal this year is to raise $10,000 to fully fund the conference experience for 5 CWIT students. Every dollar raised goes directly toward eliminating financial barriers so our students can focus entirely on their professional growth.
Real Impact: What Happens When CWIT Students Attend
Data from our recent post-conference survey shows that attending these events produces immediate, tangible career outcomes:
- 100% met industry professionals they didn't know prior to attending.
- 100% attended career or graduate school fairs, connecting directly with recruiters.
- 100% felt more connected to their CWIT peer support network.
- 90% received high-level career advice from industry professionals.
- 52% applied for technical positions on-site (with multiple students completing interviews during the event).
- 57% actively followed up on career or graduate opportunities immediately after returning.
Beyond professional networking, traveling to a new city builds independence and self-reliance. At these conferences, students step outside their comfort zones, advocate for themselves in dynamic environments, and gain critical skills for their future careers.
Invest in the Future of Tech
CWIT is navigating a rapidly changing funding landscape, making philanthropic partnerships and individual donor support more vital than ever. Staying true to our mission—ensuring women and underrepresented students in tech have every tool to succeed—remains our top priority.
Your generosity empowers CWIT students to thrive, lead, and shape the future of computing and engineering.
Help us reach our $10,000 goal and send 5 future tech leaders to national conferences in 2027!
This campaign is managed by the Center for Women in Technology. Question? Please email jessm@umbc.edu