Aspirations in Computing Awards Presented to Shawnee Mission Students

The National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) Kansas Affiliate Awards for Aspirations in Computing have been presented to three Shawnee Mission high school students.

Elise Lovell, junior and Hannah Poe, freshman from Shawnee Mission South, were named honorable mention recipients and Lauren Dowdell, sophomore from Shawnee Mission West, was named an award-winner. Dowdell was an award-winner last year.

Honorees are acknowledged for their outstanding aptitude and interest in technology and computing, leadership ability, academic history, and plans for post-secondary education. 

“With technology jobs projected to grow faster than all other job sectors in the next decade, it’s imperative that we nurture the computing aspirations of women, who will make up half the professional workforce,” said Lucy Sanders, CEO and Co-founder of NCWIT.  “This award allows us to recognize and encourage talent that might otherwise be overlooked.”

Dowdell studies computer programming and hardware, video game design and robotics and has also dedicated time to mentoring younger students to help them strengthen technology skills. Currently, she is working on short video games to apply and practice her programming and self-taught artistic skills.

Lovell has taken numerous computer programming courses, has served as a mentor to younger students who are learning technology skills, and plans on studying computer science with a focus on computer simulations.

Poe has grown up in a family and in schools that have encouraged an active participation in STEM and volunteering. She has mentored younger students who are learning about technology, takes Project Lead the Way Engineering classes, and also was on her school’s Rube Goldberg team, which advanced to national competition.

The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing introduces young women to leadership opportunities in the field and generates visibility for women’s participation in technology fields.