AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award
Studying computer science can open doors for students, giving them the tools to excel, and setting them up for high-paying careers, but girls have been left behind for far too long. That’s why College Board is honoring schools for expanding young women’s access to AP computer science classes and for the important steps they’re taking to improve gender representation.
Schools receiving the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have achieved either 50% or higher female exam taker representation in one of or both AP computer science courses, or a percentage of female computer science exam takers that meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population.
1,127 schools are being recognized for their work toward equal gender representation in 2023.
- 834 schools received the award in AP Computer Science Principles.
- 225 schools received the award in AP Computer Science A.
- 68 schools received the award in both AP computer science courses.
These institutions represent a broad range of high schools from across the country and around the world. They include private, public, and charter schools, large and small student bodies, rural and urban populations, and specialized high schools, along with generalized programs.
See the full list of schools that have been recognized for the 2023 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award.
Why Computer Science Matters for Girls
Hear what these students learned about computer science—and themselves—when they took AP Computer Science Principles.
Anna
Anna discovered that it’s not just copying code.
Delaney
Delaney loves the collaboration and teamwork.
Mariama
Mariama is proud of the app she created.
Paige
Paige developed both skills and confidence.
Opening Doors for Girls and Women
There is still a long way to go to achieve equal gender representation in the field of computer science. Providing female students access to computer science courses is crucial to ensure they’ll be set up for technology jobs where they can drive innovation and creativity in the field. Research demonstrates that women are more likely to pursue computer science if they are given the opportunity to explore it in high school.
- According to College Board research, female students who take AP CSP in high school are more than 5 times as likely to major in computer science in college, compared to similar students who did not take CSP. The study also finds AP CSP students are nearly twice as likely to enroll in AP CSA, and that for most students, AP CSP serves as a stepping-stone to other advanced AP STEM coursework.
- The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $88,240 in May 2019. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2021, women represent just 26% of the 5.6 million people in computing occupations.
- Despite growing demand, women still only earn 21% of computer science bachelor’s degrees and make up 34% of the STEM workforce, according to the National Girls Collaborative Project.
- A Microsoft study found that girls often assume the sciences don’t align with their desire to be creative and make an impact in the world.
I didn’t have the opportunity to take computer science in high school and when I took [it] in college, I was one of the very few females in my classes. I am so happy to see my students have opportunities ... that I didn’t have and to see them learn in diverse classrooms.
—Lori Piazza, AP computer science teacher, Watchung Hills Regional High School, Warren, NJ
Prior to taking AP CSP, I thought computer science would be boring, was ‘for boys,’ was weird, full of just video games, and definitely would not be a part of my future if I had a choice. I ultimately chose to take AP CSP and AP CSA because it would allow me to not have to take any computer science in college.
A year later, I have transformed into a completely different person who is interested in pursuing computer science in college, and I was inspired to create a computer science club for middle school girls in my community. This AP class has honestly changed my life. Thank you.
—Katherine C., student, Kennesaw Mountain High School, Kennesaw, GA
Recruiting Strategies
Any number of factors can discourage girls from taking computer science—they may be unaware of computer science opportunities or think they don’t have the skills to study it. College Board has compiled a wide range of recruiting strategies to help schools dispel common myths and generate interest in coding, technology, and computer science.