What Influences Female Interest and Persistence in Computing?: Preliminary Findings from a Multiyear Study

This article reports preliminary findings from a multiyear study of young women who showed interest in applying for an award that recognizes high school females' computing-related interests and achievements, the National Center for Women & Information Technology's Aspirations in Computing Award. The research sample includes two groups: awardees and non-awardees. This mixed-methods study consists of a social cognitive career theory survey instrument, as well as interviews and focus groups exploring themes of confidence, self-efficacy, a sense of belonging, and perceived supports and barriers to being involved in computing. This article presents results from the first survey and selects demographics from the two groups, along with preliminary analyses of the qualitative data gathered thus far.