Xavier Earns Dual AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award

January 25, 2022

Recognized for Closing the Gender Gap in Computer Science A and Computer Science Principles

Computer Science Diversity Press Release

For the 5th year in a row, Xavier College Preparatory has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A (CSA) and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded girls’ access to AP computer science courses.

In 2021, Xavier College Prep was one of only 61 schools nationwide recognized for closing the gender gap in both AP computer science courses.

“We’re thrilled to congratulate our female AP computer science students and their teachers on this step toward gender parity in computer science education,” said Xavier’s Principal, Sister Joanie Nuckols, BVM. “We’re honored that our school earned this distinction and look forward to seeing these young women pursue and achieve success in computer science education and careers.”

“By encouraging young women to study advanced computer science coursework, Xavier College Prep is closing the gap in computer science education and empowering young women to access the opportunities available in STEM career fields,” says Stefanie Sanford, College Board chief of Global Policy and External Relations. “Computer science is the foundation of many 21st-century career options, and young women deserve equal opportunities to pursue computer science education and drive technological innovation.”

A code.org analysis of 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics data finds women represent just 24% of the five million people in computing occupations. Computing jobs are the number one source of new wages in the U.S., although 67% of all new jobs in STEM are in computing, only 11% of STEM bachelor’s degrees are in computer science.

At Xavier College Prep, 100% of its students take Computer Science Essentials, which is an introduction to Java. Many go on and to take AP Computer Science classes.

These findings highlight the importance of schools nationwide achieving gender parity in AP computer science classrooms. Currently, 51% of high schools teach foundational computer science. Xavier College Prep and the other schools that received this year’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award serve as inspirations and models for all U.S. high schools.

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