Woodlands Academy earns Computer Science Female Diversity Award
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart has earned the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in College Board's AP Computer Science Principles course.
This award honors the all-girls college-prep high school in Lake Forest for its work toward closing the gender gap by expanding girls' access to Advance Placement computer science courses during the 2020-21 school year.
"By encouraging young women to study advanced computer science coursework, Woodlands Academy is closing the gap in computer science education and empowering young women to access the opportunities available in STEM career fields," College Board Chief of Global Policy and External Relations Stefanie Sanford said.
"Computer science is the foundation of many current career options, and young women deserve equal opportunities to pursue computer science education and drive technological innovation."
Sanford believes that providing female students with access to computer science courses is critical to ensuring gender parity in the industry's high-paying jobs and to driving innovation, creativity and representation.
The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $91,250 in May 2020.
"I'm so proud to congratulate our AP computer science students and faculty for this national computer science education recognition," Woodlands Academy Head of School Dawn Nichols, Ed.D., said.
"It confirms our commitment to teaching and leading our outstanding girls along the way to becoming empowered young women in career fields such as STEM."
Research shows that female students who take AP computer science are more likely to major in computer science in college compared to female students of similar background and academic preparation who didn't take AP computer science courses.
The College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award recognizes leadership in diversifying computer science education and preparing female students for the high-paying, in-demand jobs of the future.
For more information about Woodlands Academy, visit www.woodlandsacademy.org
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