College Board has recognized Taft as one of the top schools in the nation for young women studying computer science at the advanced placement (AP®) level. Only four percent of the 20,000 institutions offering AP® computer science courses earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award, which recognizes high female representation in those courses. Fewer than one percent—Taft among them—were recognized for high female representation in AP Computer Science A.
"This is an exciting time for students of all genders to be engaged with our dynamic computer science curriculum,” notes Dean of Academic Affairs and Mathematics Teacher Jennifer Kenerson. “But we are especially proud to be recognized as a school that is on the leading edge of preparing and empowering young women to compete in STEM and computer science fields.”
Schools receiving the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have achieved either 50% or higher female representation in either or both of the AP computer science courses, or the percentage of female computer science examinees meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population. Taft is one of only four schools in Connecticut to earn the award, and stands alone among its peer schools in receiving the honor.
“The Taft School is empowering young women to see themselves as creators, innovators, and problem-solvers,” said Stefanie Sanford, College Board global policy chief. “We hope to see even more high schools inspire female students to harness the potential of an AP computer science education.”
AP Computer Science A students learn to design and implement computer programs that solve problems relevant to today’s society. The number of female AP CSA exam-takers has grown steadily, up nearly 60% in five years. Overall AP computer science course participation has increased 184% since 2016, broadening STEM career opportunities for more students. The number of female, rural, and underrepresented minority students taking AP computer science exams has more than doubled in three years.