(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – February 5, 2025) — Austin High School, Irvin High School, and El Paso High School have been recognized with the prestigious College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for their commitment to increasing female representation in AP computer science courses. Austin earned the award for AP Computer Science Principles (CSP), Irvin earned the award for AP Computer Science A (CSA), and El Paso earned the award for AP Computer Science A (CSA).
The AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award honors schools that have successfully expanded access to computer science education for female students. Schools qualify by achieving at least 50% female enrollment in their AP computer science courses or by ensuring the percentage of female students taking AP computer science exams meets or exceeds the overall female student population at their school.
READ MORE: Young Women’s STEAM Academy Earns Dual AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award
Computer science remains a critical field with high-paying job opportunities and increasing demand for skilled professionals. However, women remain underrepresented in the industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up just 26.9% of the 6.5 million individuals employed in computer and mathematical occupations, despite the median annual wage in the field reaching $104,200 in 2023.
Research underscores the importance of early exposure to computer science. A Google study found that 54% of female computer science majors had taken AP CSA in high school, and College Board research shows that students who take AP CSP are nearly twice as likely to enroll in AP CSA and other advanced STEM courses.
Participation in AP computer science courses has surged in recent years, helping to increase representation in the field:
• AP CSP, first introduced in 2016, has seen a nearly 400% increase in participation since its launch. In 2024, 175,261 students took the AP CSP exam, including over 60,000 female students—a 450% increase in female participation since 2017.
• AP CSA, which has been offered since 1988, saw more than 98,000 students take the exam in 2024, marking a 60% increase since 2017. Female participation in AP CSA has also grown by 81% in the same period.
By fostering a culture that encourages young women to engage in computer science, Austin, Irvin, and El Paso High Schools are helping to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields while preparing students for future careers in technology, engineering, and innovation.