Mountain View High School (MVHS) has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded girls’ access in AP computer science courses.
“The credit for this achievement goes to our teachers who encourage females to take the AP Computer Science courses and support them while in the course,” said Dr. James Stemple, MVHS Principal. “This is really a reflection of the devoted and passionate teachers here in Stafford County, who truly give everything they have to inspire and empower our students.”
More than 1,000 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 2020-21 school year. In 2021, MVHS was one of 199 recognized in the category of AP Computer Science A.
“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. Thomas Taylor, Superintendent, Stafford County Public Schools. “We’re honored that our school earned this distinction and look forward to seeing these young women and many others pursue and achieve success in computer science education and careers.”
“By encouraging young women to study advanced computer science coursework, Mountain View 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.”
AP Computer Science A (CSA) students learn to design and implement computer programs that solve problems relevant to today’s society. According to the College Board, AP Computer Science A, which first debuted in 1988, continues to grow and female participation has increased 33% since 2017. Overall AP computer science course participation has increased 79% since 2017, broadening STEM career opportunities for more students.
For more information about Career and Technical Education programs available in Stafford County Public
Schools, visit the Stafford County Public Schools website.
