UMN AI Hub Summer Program Students Shine in NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Awards
At the AI Hub, we believe that access, mentorship, and hands-on experience can translate curiosity into impact. This year, we’re proud to celebrate a remarkable group of students from our Machine Learning and AI Summer Program, formerly known through earlier iterations of our pre-college AI learning experiences, who have been recognized by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing (AiC) awards.
The Aspirations in Computing (AiC) program honors high school students for their interest and achievements in computing and technology, recognizing not only technical skill but also leadership, creativity, and community impact. Through regional and national awards, students gain access to a broader network of peers and mentors, along with opportunities for continued learning, scholarships, and career exploration. The program is designed to support and elevate students from groups historically underrepresented in tech, helping them build confidence, visibility, and pathways into computing fields.
These awards honor high school students for their computing-related achievements, leadership, and aspirations, and this year several of our summer program participants stood out at the state and national levels.
2025 AI Hub Campers Recognized
Students from our 2025 cohort were recognized across multiple levels of distinction. Rising Star awards highlight students who are earlier in their computing journey but demonstrate strong potential and enthusiasm for the field. State Honorable Mention recognizes applicants with notable achievements and promise within their state. The State Winner designation is the highest state-level honor, awarded to top applicants who stand out for their accomplishments, leadership, and commitment to computing.
- Rising Stars: Cayla Cavanaugh, Pooja Karthikeyan
- State Honorable Mention: Saanvi Rangarajan
- State Winner: Nayan Menon
2024 AI Hub Camper Recognized
State Winner: Keona Laurence
We are especially excited to share that many of these students referenced their experience in our UMN AI Hub summer program in their award bios, highlighting the role that immersive, community-centered AI education can play in shaping future technologists.
Programs like Under the Hood, along with its earlier iterations, are designed to create pathways into artificial intelligence and computing for students who are motivated, and eager to explore real-world applications of technology. Through mentorship, collaborative projects, and exposure to cutting-edge tools, students gain not only technical skills but also the confidence to see themselves as leaders in the field.
This recognition from NCWIT reinforces what we see every day: these students are not only learning, they are excelling, leading, and making meaningful contributions to the future of technology.
We couldn’t be prouder. The future of technology is in good hands, and it’s being shaped right here at the University of Minnesota.
Congratulations to all of our award recipients. We can’t wait to see what you do next.
