High Schools Across Chicago Public Schools Earn AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award

Recipients

Recognized for Closing Gender

Gap in Computer Science Education

CHICAGO – Two dozen Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) high schools earned the 2022 College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in Advanced Placement computer science courses. The 2021-22 School Year also marked the third consecutive year that female and non-binary students comprised the majority of AP Computer Science Principles exam takers throughout the District. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award maximized their commitment to computer science education by expanding girls’ access to AP computer science courses, specifically in AP Computer Science A (CSA) and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP).

“I am thrilled to recognize the incredible work of CPS educators and students in earning national recognition for increasing gender diversity in computer science education,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “Our schools are committed to providing high-quality computer science education to all students, regardless of gender. Today, we can see the fruits of that commitment as 24 CPS schools are recognized for closing the gender gap and building a foundation for student success both in and outside the classroom.”

School*

● Mansueto High School

● North-Grand High School*

● Phoenix STEM Military Academy*

● Taft High School*

● UChicago Charter School – Woodlawn Campus

● Walter Payton College Prep High School*

*District-run schools are denoted with an asterisk.

CPS was an early adopter of the AP computer science program, serving as a pilot district in 2014. Since the AP CPS exam became available in 2017, 7658 CPS students have taken the AP CSP exam, with 51.1 percent of 2022 test-takers identifying as female or non-binary, well above the national average of 33.3 percent. Overall, participation of female and non-binary students increased by 69 percent in the AP CSP exam since 2017 and by 19 percent in the AP CSA exam over the same period.