Recognized for Improving Gender Representation in AP Computer Science Principles
HOUSTON, TX─ Westbury Christian School has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded girls’ access in AP computer science courses.
More than 1,100 institutions achieved either 50% or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or a percentage of the female computer science exam takers meeting or exceeding that of the school’s female population during the 2022-23 school year. In 2023, Westbury Christian School was one of 834 recognized in the category of AP Computer Science Principles (CSP).
“We’re thrilled to congratulate our female AP computer science students and Mrs. Leeson on this step toward gender parity in computer science education,” said High School Principal Kaitlyn Ballard. “We’re honored that our school earned this distinction and look forward to seeing these young women and others pursue and achieve success in computer science education and careers.”
“I am so excited to generate interest for young women in high school to explore more STEM classes and fields, especially computer science,” says WCS STEM Director, Colleen Leeson. “The digital world is foundational to how we interact with each other and to bring new ideas to life in our current society. Until the approach of the AP Computer Science Principles class, many young women could not see themselves in the roles of coding, processing, and transforming data into new applications and insights. These are skills that we are all capable of leveraging. This class has encouraged many of my female students to pursue computer science and data science fields in post-secondary studies. I am proud to see each of them continue the journey of learning and impacting our world with STEM skills.”
“Computer science is the source code of our economy and much of the career landscape,” said Trevor Packer, Head of the AP Program. “In the six years since we began the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award, it’s been heartening to see schools like Westbury Christian School welcome so many more young women into this vital field.”
The first year of AP Computer Science Principles in 2016-17 attracted more students than any other AP course debut, and participation is on the rise. In 2023, 164,505 students took the AP CSP Exam—more than triple the number of exam takers in the course’s first year. In 2023, 55,572 women took the AP CSP Exam, more than four times the number who tested in 2017.
Providing female students with access to computer science courses is critical to ensuring gender parity in the industry’s high-paying jobs and to driving innovation, creativity, and representation. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $100,530 in May 2022. However, women represent just 24% of the five million people in computing occupations.
That’s why College Board research about AP CSP is so encouraging. According to the data, female students who take AP CSP in high school are more than five times as likely to major in computer science in college, compared to female students of similar background and academic preparation 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.
These findings highlight the importance of schools nationwide achieving gender parity in AP computer science classrooms. Overall, female students remain underrepresented in our high school computer science classes, accounting for just 34% of AP Computer Science Principles participants and 26% of AP Computer Science A participants. Currently, 57.5% of the nation’s high schools teach foundational computer science. The 1,127 schools that receive this year’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award serve as inspirations and models for all U.S. high schools.
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About Westbury Christian School
Westbury Christian School is a Christ-centered college preparatory school for students from age 3 to 12th grade. A vibrant community of learners, WCS reflects the Kingdom: Faithful, Wise, and Diverse. Since 1975, we have provided our students with a safe and diverse environment with challenging academics taught from a Biblical worldview and personalized instruction. WCS strives to support families in Christian education and cultivate relationships that build a strong sense of belonging within our community. Students are encouraged to find their God-given talents by participating in our student-led clubs, athletics, and fine arts programs. WCS develops students to become Christian servants, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners who are prepared for here and eternity.