LTHS Awarded For Gender Diversity In Computer Science

LACEY, NJ — Lacey Township High School has earned the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award, the school announced in a press release.

LTHS was awarded for “achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles,” the school said. Schools with this award have expanded girls’ access in AP computer science courses. LTHS was one of 760 in the AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) category to be awarded.

“We’re thrilled to congratulate our female AP computer science students and their teachers on this step toward gender parity in computer science education,” Dr. Vanessa Pereira Clark, Superintendent of Schools, said in the release. “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.”

“By encouraging young women to study advanced computer science coursework, Lacey Township High School is closing the gap in computer science education and empowering young women to access the opportunities available in STEM career fields,” said Stefanie Sanford, College Board chief of Global Policy and External Relations. “Computer science is the foundation of many 21st- century career options, and young women deserve equal opportunities to pursue computer science education and drive technological innovation.”

A code.org analysis of 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics data finds women represent just 24 percent of the five million people in computing occupations. College Board research on AP CSP found that “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 female students of similar background and academic preparation who did not take CSP,” the release said.