The Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT), established at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in July 1998, is dedicated to providing global leadership in achieving women's full participation in all aspects of information technology (IT). Women's participation in IT will strengthen the workforce, raise the standard of living for many women, and help to assure that information technology addresses women's needs and expands the possibilities for their lives.

The mission has three objectives:

  • to encourage more women and girls to prepare for careers and become leaders in information technology
  • to communicate information related to the richness and breadth of women's lives, concerns, and possibilities using technology
  • to foster research concerning gender and information technology