Sacramento, CA -  Sacramento Country Day School (Country Day) has earned the 2020 College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A. The award recognizes schools that are closing the gender gap and engaging more female students in computer science coursework. Out of the 20,000 institutions worldwide that offer AP Computer science courses, Country Day was one of 232 recognized in the category of AP Computer Science A for 2020.

“During an unprecedented year, Country Day’s female students have demonstrated perseverance and dedication in their study of AP Computer Science,” said IT Director and Computer Science Teacher Shelley Hinson. “We could not be more proud of these young ladies 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.”

AP Computer Science A students learn to design and implement computer programs that solve problems relevant to today’s society. The number of female AP CSA exam-takers has grown steadily, up nearly 25% since 2017. Overall AP computer science course participation has increased 79% since 2017, broadening STEM career opportunities for more students.

Providing female students with access to computer science courses is critical 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.

Over the past several years, Country Day has received various other recognitions for its Computer Science and STEM efforts including:

• College Board’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award in 2018
• One of Newsweek Magazine’s Top STEM High Schools in America in 2019
• Niche.com’s #1 High School for STEM in Sacramento for 2019 and 2020

“Country Day is extremely pleased to be recognized with the College Board’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for another year. This award, along with our local and national rankings, reflect our deep commitment toward advancing Computer Science and STEM programs for students of all ages and genders,” says Head of School Lee Thomsen.

Media Contact: Emily Allshouse, Director of Marketing & Communications