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For Immediate Release: January 17, 2025

Recognized for Improving Female Representation in AP Computer Science A

Speedway, IN ─ Speedway High School has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A (CSA). Schools honored with an AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded access to AP computer science courses for female students.

During the 2023-24 school year, 1,153 institutions achieved an AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for CSA, CSP or both courses. Award contenders must either have reached 50% or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or have achieved a percentage of female computer science exam takers that meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population. Speedway High School was one of only 237 recognized for improving female representation in AP CSA.

“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 Dr. Trebley. “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.”

“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 seven years since we began the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award, it’s been heartening to see schools like Speedway High School welcome so many more young women into this vital field.”

AP Computer Science A students learn to design and implement computer programs that solve problems relevant to today’s society. AP CSA, which first debuted in 1988, continues to see an increase in the number of exam test takers. In 2024:

· 98,136 students took the AP CSA exam—more than a 60% increase in participation since 2017.

· 25,811 female students—an 81% increase in female participation since 2017.

Overall AP computer science course participation has increased 161% since 2017, which has broadened STEM career opportunities for more students.

Providing young women with access to computer science courses is critical to ensure gender equity in the industry’s high-paying jobs and to drive innovation, creativity, and representation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and mathematical occupations was $104,200 in 2023. However, women represent just 26.9% of the 6.5 million people employed in the same fields.

According to a Google study, 54% of female computer science majors took AP Computer Science A in high school. College Board research about APComputer Science Principles (CSP) 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 equity in AP computer science classrooms. Female students remain underrepresented in computer science classes, and they account for just 34% of AP CSP participants and 26% of AP CSA participants. The 1,153 schools that receive one of this year’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Awards inspire and serve as models for all U.S. high schools.