Lawrence High School math teacher Christine Read has received the 2024 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award from the College Board for achieving more than 50% female representation in the AP Computer Science Principles course.
The national recognition reflects Read’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for students in computer science.
During the 2023-24 school year, 1,153 institutions across the country earned the award for either AP Computer Science A (CSA), CSP, or both courses. To be eligible, schools must either reach 50% or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or achieve a percentage of female computer science exam takers that matches or exceeds the overall female student population.
Lawrence High School was one of only 847 schools recognized for improving female representation in AP CSP.
“We’re thrilled to congratulate Ms. Read and her female AP computer science students on this step toward equal representation in computer science education,” said Dr. Robyn Klim, superintendent of schools. “We’re honored that our school earned this distinction and look forward to seeing these young women and others pursue and achieve success 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 Lawrence High School welcome so many more young women into this vital field.”
AP Computer Science Principles, first introduced in the 2016-17 school year, has seen significant growth. In 2024, 175,261 students took the AP CSP Exam, almost four times the number of exam takers in the course’s first year. Of those, 60,259 were female, a number approximately 4.5 times higher than in 2017.
Overall participation in AP computer science courses has increased by 161% since 2017, expanding STEM career opportunities for students. Increasing access to computer science for young women is crucial for ensuring gender equity in the industry’s high-paying jobs and for fostering innovation and creativity.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and mathematical occupations was $104,200 in 2023, but women make up just 26.9% of the 6.5 million people employed in those fields.
College Board research has shown promising trends in closing the gender gap. Female students who take AP CSP in high school are more than five times as likely to major in computer science in college compared to those who do not. Additionally, students who take AP CSP are nearly twice as likely to enroll in AP Computer Science A, which often serves as a pathway to other advanced AP STEM courses.
Despite these gains, female students remain underrepresented in computer science, making up only 34% of AP CSP participants and 26% of AP CSA participants. Schools recognized with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award serve as models for others across the country, demonstrating the potential for progress toward gender equity in STEM education.
For more information on Lawrence High School, see lhs.ltps.org.
The main entrance to Lawrence High School. ,
