Batavia High School Earns AP Computer Science Principles Female Diversity Award

Recognized for Improving Female Representation in AP Computer Science Principles
 
Batavia, IL─Batavia High School has earned the College Board AP^® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). Schools honored with an AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded access to AP computer science courses for female students in their communities. 
 
Award contenders must either have reached 50% or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or have achieved a percentage of female computer science exam takers that meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population. Batavia High School was one of only 847 recognized for improving female representation in AP CSP.
 
“We’re thrilled to congratulate our female AP computer science students and their teachers on this step toward equal representation in computer science education,” said Dr. JoAnne Smith, Principal of BHS. “We’re honored that our school earned this distinction and look forward to seeing these students and others pursue and succeed in computer science education and careers.”
 
“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 seven years since we began the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award, it’s been heartening to see schools like Batavia High School welcome so many more young women into this vital field.”
 
Overall, AP computer science course participation has increased 161% since 2017, which has broadened STEM career opportunities for more students. 
 
Providing young women with access to computer science courses is necessary to ensure gender equity in the industry’s high-paying jobs and to drive innovation, creativity, and representation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and mathematical occupations was $104,200 in 2023. However, women represent just 26.9% of the 6.5 million people employed in the same fields.