Nancy S. Gransmick
Maryland State Superintendend of Schools

CWIT is proud to announce Nancy S. Grasmick as the recipient of the Second Annual Joan S. Korenman Award. Each year, this award is given to an advocate of diversity and inclusion with regard to technology studies and careers. As a recipient, she receives both the unique distinction and $1,000 in recognition of her contributions.

Under Dr. Grasmick's leadership, Maryland has been nationally recognized for its many achievements in education. For four straight years, Education Week, the nation's leading education newspaper, has given Maryland an "A" for its K-12 standards and its systems of assessing, reporting and holding schools responsible for improving achievement. Maryland's verbal and math SAT scores continue to rise, and the state has had more success than any other in increasing high school students' participation in the rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) testing program, particularly in enrolling traditionally underrepresented students. In addition, Dr. Grasmick was a member of the National Academies Committee chaired by Norman Augustine that authored the report Rising Above the Gathering Storm, which set recommendations focused on increasing America's talent pool by vastly improving K-12 science and mathematics education.

Dr. Grasmick has also championed the work being done in Maryland to implement high school pre-engineering programs. The Maryland State Department of Education has partnered with UMBC's Dr. Anne Spence, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, to offer teacher training programs as part of Project Lead the Way, a national effort to prepare an increasing and more diverse group of students to be successful in engineering and engineering technology programs. Currently, 35 schools across the state have implemented high school pre-engineering programs of study.

Maryland needs dedicated leaders to support girls' and women's participation and advancement in information technology and related fields. Dr. Grasmick is committed to creating and sustaining pathways along the educational pipeline that will allow students to excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Special thanks go to Dr. Grasmick for her continued support of Computer Mania Day and similar initiatives that promote technology as a tool for success and important component of every career.

"CWIT knows as well as I, that no matter what girls' aptitude, without adequate access and expectations, there is no equity."
- Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick