HCPSS Receives AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award​

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Seven high schools with the Howard County Public School System have received the College Board’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award. The award recognizes schools that have increased female representation among students taking AP Computer Science Principles courses during the 2019-2020 school year.

For a school to qualify for the award, at least 50 percent of its students enrolled in specific AP computer science courses must be female, or its percentage of female AP computer science test takers must meet or exceed the schoolwide percentage of female students. HCPSS schools are among only 831 schools nationwide to receive this recognition.

The HCPSS high schools honored include:

• Atholton
• Centennial
• Glenelg
• Hammond
• Howard
• Mt. Hebron
• Oakland Mills

According to HCPSS, research conducted by the College Board shows that female students who take AP CSP in high school are more likely to major in computer science in college, putting them on a path toward careers in computer and information technology.