Recognized for Closing the Gender Gap in AP Computer Science A

[Lincroft, NJ] – High Technology High School has earned the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded young women’s access to AP computer science courses.

Out of the 20,000 institutions that offer AP courses, 818 achieved this important result during the 2018-2019 school year, nearly 20% more than the 685 schools recognized last year. In 2019, High Technology High School was one of 143 recognized in the category of AP Computer Science A. An additional 36 schools received the award for both CSA and CSP.

“We’re proud to see the creativity, commitment, and enthusiasm our female students have demonstrated in their study of AP Computer Science A,” said school administration. “As educators and administrators, we believe a STEM education plays a critical role in fostering a lifelong relationship with learning, setting our female students on a path to success in a 21st-century workforce.”

Schools receiving the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have achieved either 50% or higher female representation in either or both of the AP computer science courses, or the percentage of female computer science examinees meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population.

“High Technology High School is empowering young women to see themselves as creators, innovators, and problem-solvers,” said Stefanie Sanford, College Board global policy chief. “We hope to see even more high schools inspire female students to harness the potential of an AP computer science education.”

AP Computer Science A students learn to design and implement computer programs that solve problems relevant to today’s society. The number of female AP CSA exam-takers has grown steadily, up nearly 60% in five years. Overall AP computer science course participation has increased by 184% since 2016, broadening STEM career opportunities for more students. The number of female, rural, and underrepresented minority students taking AP computer science exams has more than doubled in three years.

Providing female students with access to computer science courses is necessary to ensuring gender parity in high-paying technology jobs and to drive innovation, creativity, and competition. A 2014 Google study found that women are more likely to pursue computer science if they are given the opportunity to explore it in high school.