The Mount Earns Dual AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award

Mount St. Dominic Academy, the independent, Catholic college prep school for young women in Caldwell, NJ, is excited to announce that it has received the prestigious College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for its outstanding achievement in fostering high female representation in both AP Computer Science A (CSA) and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). This recognition is bestowed upon schools that have successfully expanded access to AP computer science courses for girls.

During the 2022-23 school year, over 1,100 institutions achieved either 50% or higher female representation in AP computer science courses or a percentage of female computer science exam takers meeting or exceeding that of the school’s female population. In 2023, Mount St. Dominic Academy stood out as one of only 68 schools acknowledged for improving gender representation in both AP computer science courses, and the school was one of just eight schools in New Jersey to receive this accolade.

“This award reflects our school's commitment to empowering students with knowledge that will serve them well in a rapidly changing world,” remarked Gregory Rasmusson, who teaches AP Computer Science Principles at the Mount.

“We are honored that our school has earned this distinction. Enrollment in our computer science program is expanding, and we've been responsive to student interest in specific courses,” expressed Mount St. Dominic Academy Principal Laura Hollenbaugh.

The Mount actively integrates STEM-related courses into its curriculum, requiring all students to take Introduction to Coding during their sophomore year. Following this, students can explore CP level electives such as Cybersecurity or Robotics, as well as AP Computer Science Principles and Computer Science Applications.

Senior Caitlin Caufield, currently enrolled in AP Computer Science Principles, shared her enthusiasm: “I've loved all the STEM classes I've taken at the Mount! I’m grateful for the chance to keep pushing myself, especially with coding.”

Madeline Dolan, a senior at the Mount, highlighted the impact of exposure to classes like Introduction to Coding and AP Computer Science Principles on her future. She said, “Since there is a gender imbalance in the technology field, being exposed to these classes in high school at the Mount is an invaluable experience that will have a great impact on my future.”

The achievement aligns with the upward trend in AP Computer Science participation nationally. However, despite the positive trajectory, the statistics underline the need for continued efforts to achieve gender parity in AP computer science classrooms. Currently, female students comprise only 34% of AP Computer Science Principles participants and 26% of AP Computer Science A participants nationwide.

Trevor Packer, head of the College Board AP Program, emphasized the importance of schools like Mount St. Dominic Academy in encouraging more young women to enter the vital field of computer science. “Computer science is the source code of our economy and much of the career landscape,” he noted.

All-girls schools, like the Mount, hold greater relevance today than ever before as they actively address the gender gap in STEM fields, paving the way for women to make significant strides. In fact, some Mount alumnae have gone on to enjoy careers at leading tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, Apple, IBM, Sauce Labs, and Coursera.