Valley Center, CA─Valley Center High School (VCHS) has been awarded the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). This recognition highlights the school’s efforts to expand access to computer science education for young women.
During the 2023-24 school year, VCHS was one of only 847 schools nationwide honored for improving female representation in AP CSP. Award criteria include reaching at least 50% female participation in AP computer science or exceeding the school’s overall female enrollment percentage in exam participation.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate our female AP computer science students and their teacher, Ms. Paige Prosser, on this remarkable achievement,” said Nicole Clymer, Principal of Valley Center High School. “This award reflects our commitment to providing opportunities for young women to succeed in computer science and STEM fields.”
Since its launch in 2016, AP CSP has grown significantly, with 60,259 female students taking the exam in 2024—4.5 times the number in 2017. Research shows that female students who take AP CSP are over five times more likely to major in computer science, contributing to greater gender equity in the tech industry.
Valley Center High School’s achievement is a testament to the importance of creating inclusive pathways for all students to thrive in STEM careers.
Go Jags!