(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Jan. 19, 2024) — The Young Women’s STEAM Research and Preparatory Academy (YWA) has added another distinction to a growing list of honors earned this academic year by being named a recipient of the 2022-23 College Board’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for empowering young women through access to AP Computer Science A (CSA).
The award recognizes the outstanding work YWA has conducted to engage more female students in computer science and empower them to take on roles in a field where women are underrepresented. Only 225 schools in the nation received the recognition.
“We’re thrilled to congratulate our female AP computer science students and their teachers on this step toward gender parity in computer science education,” YWA Principal Cynthia Ontiveros, Ph.D., said. “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.”
According to the AP Classroom, studying computer science can open doors for students, giving them the tools to excel, and setting them up for high-paying careers. However, the field does not include many women.
“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 Young Women’s STEAM Academy welcome so many more young women into this vital field.”
AP Computer Science A (CSA) students learn to design and implement computer programs that solve problems relevant to today’s society. AP Computer Science A, which first debuted in 1988, continues to grow and female participation has increased 69% since 2017, to 24,147 women. Overall AP computer science course participation has increased 147% since 2017, broadening STEM career opportunities for more students.
Providing female students with access to computer science courses is critical to ensuring gender parity in the industry’s high-paying jobs and to drive innovation, creativity, and representation. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $100,530 in May 2021. However, women represent just 24% of the 5 million people in computing occupations.
