Baldwin High School has earned the College AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A (CSA). Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded girls’ access in AP computer science courses. This year, the award acknowledged 1,127 schools based on the 2022-23 school year, and of those schools, Baldwin was one of 225 to be recognized in the category of AP CSA. Schools needed to achieve either 50% or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or a percentage of the female computer science exam takers meeting or exceeding that of the school’s female population in order to receive this recognition.
“We are thrilled to see Baldwin High School recognized for achieving a high female representation in AP Computer Science,” said Dr. Shari Camhi, superintendent of schools for Baldwin Union Free School District. “The district has made a strong commitment to promoting and supporting careers in STEM, especially among women, through various academic programs, an innovative curriculum, and our initiative called Baldwin 2035. I am extremely proud to see this hard work and dedication lead to such outstanding results. Congratulations to our school and Baldwin community, and most especially to our students, for making our AP program a success as we continue on our path to ensuring that everyone graduates ‘future ready.’”
Today, women represent just 24% of the five million people in computing occupations. Research shows that female students who take AP computer science are more likely to major in computer science in college compared with matched peers. 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. Overall, female students will be better prepared for the in-demand jobs of the future.
“Computer science is the source code of our economy and much of the career landscape,” said Trevor Packer, Head of the AP Program. “In the six years since we began the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award, it’s been heartening to see schools like Baldwin High School welcome so many more young women into this vital field.”
AP CSA students learn to design and implement computer programs that solve problems relevant to today’s society. AP CSA, which first debuted in 1988, continues to grow and female participation has increased 69% since 2017, to 24,147 women. Overall AP computer science course participation has increased 147% since 2017, broadening STEM career opportunities for more students.
“I'm so proud of our school for earning this distinction in recognition of the amazing talent of our female scholars,” said Dr. Neil Testa, principal of Baldwin High School. “In a field of study that is rapidly growing in importance, I am confident that our Baldwin women will continue to lead the way!”
Baldwin Union Free School District has been recognized by the College Board several times this year. Earlier in the fall, the high school was designated a “Silver with Access” 2023 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll recipient. Also, high school senior, Melany Mendoza, received a perfect score on her AP Research Exam. More than 160 Baldwin High School students earned the Advanced Placement® (AP) Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams during the 2022-2023 school year. Additionally, 17 Baldwin High School students earned academic honors from the 2023 College Board National Recognition Programs, which celebrate students’ hard work in high school and showcase their strong academic performance.
Baldwin High School currently offers 29 AP courses as well as the AP Capstone Diploma™ Program. In addition to potentially earning college credits through the AP coursework and exams, students can choose from more than 30 dual enrollment (credit-bearing) classes at Baldwin High School through the district’s numerous partnerships with colleges and universities. Moreover, the Nassau County Community College collaboration with Baldwin High School allows students to earn up to 36 college credits before graduating in June.
The College Board will issue an official award certificate to Baldwin High School to proudly display.
About Baldwin UFSD
The Baldwin Union Free School District (UFSD) is an award winning K-12 public school district located on Long Island in Baldwin, NY. With a total enrollment of approximately 4500, the district consists of seven schools, a career and technical program, and a universal pre-kindergarten program. Baldwin UFSD has received recognition for its innovative and rigorous academic programs, numerous partnerships, and redesigned classrooms, and prides itself on helping students become college-, career-, and life-ready. Some of the district’s offerings comprise school-to-career programs, such as the Academic Academies, a community college partnership, AP courses, as well as nationally recognized arts and athletics. The district’s graduation rate is currently 99%. Baldwin UFSD embraces its diverse community and school motto, “We are innovative. We are inclusive. We are involved. We are Baldwin.” For more information, visit www.baldwinschools.org or connect with us on Facebook (BaldwinSchools), Instagram (Baldwin_Schools) and LinkedIn (BaldwinSchools).