RIVERSIDE — For the third year in a row, St. Mary Academy–Bay View has earned two College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Awards for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A (CSA) and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) courses. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Awards have expanded girls’ access to AP Computer Science courses.
Out of the 20,000 institutions that offer AP courses, St. Mary Academy–Bay View was one of only 56 to be recognized for closing the gender gap in both AP computer science courses, taught by faculty members Valerie Briden and Antonelia Lombardi, chair of the Computer Science and Mathematics Departments.
“During an unprecedented year, Bay View students have demonstrated perseverance and dedication in their study of AP Computer Science,” said Colleen Gribbin, Upper School Principal. “We could not be more proud of our students for staking their claim as the next generation of STEM and computer science professionals. We can’t wait to see their passion for next-generation technology lead to lifelong success.”
“Today’s students need the power to shape technology, not just cope with it,” says Stefanie Sanford, College Board chief of global policy and external relations. “Young women deserve an equal opportunity to become the next generation of entrepreneurs, engineers and tech leaders. Closing the gap in computer science education empowers young women to build the future they want.”
Providing female students with access to computer science courses is necessary to ensuring gender parity in the industry’s high-paying jobs and to drive innovation, creativity, and representation. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $88,240 in May 2019. However, a code.org analysis of 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics data finds women represent just 24% of the 5 million people in computing occupations.
