Escanaba High School receives Female Diversity Award for Computer Science
ESCANABA — Escanaba High School has been named as a recipient of the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles.
818 institutions out of 20,000 that offer AP courses received this award for the 2018-2019 school year, nearly 20% more than the 685 schools awarded the previous year. In 2019, Escanaba High School was one of 639 recognized in the category of AP Computer Science Principles. Schools are honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP computer science courses.
“We’re proud to see the creativity, commitment, and enthusiasm our female students have demonstrated in their study of AP Computer Science Principles,” said Escanaba High School Principal Darci Griebel. “As educators and administrators, we believe a STEM education plays a critical role in fostering a lifelong relationship with learning and setting or female students on a path to success in a 21st century workforce.”
Schools that receive the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have achieved either 50% or higher female representation in either or both of the AP Computer Science courses offered, or the percentage of female computer science examinees meets or exceeds that of the school’s overall female population.
“Escanaba High School is empowering young women to see themselves as creators, innovators, and problem-solvers,” said College Board Global Policy Chief Stefanie Sanford. “We hope to see even more high schools inspire female students to harness the potential of an AP computer science education.”
The 2016 introduction of AP Computer Science Principles was the largest course launch in AP program history. In 2019, nearly 100,000 students took the AP CSP exam, more than doubling the number of participants since its launch. During that time, the number of female AP CSP students has far outpaced overall growth, with an increase of 136%.