SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Sylacauga High School has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP computer science principles.
“I’m excited that Sylacauga High School has received this award,” said Allyson Craddock, AP computer science teacher. “This is the third year in a row our school has received this distinction. It exhibits our commitment toward STEM courses and helps students explore non-traditional career pathways like computer science.”
In 2020, Sylacauga High was one of 831 schools recognized in the category of AP computer science principles and one of 36 high schools in Alabama receiving this recognition.
Bennie Lewis, Assistant Principal and Director of Career and Technical Education at SHS remarked, “During an unprecedented year, our students have demonstrated a certain grit and commitment in their study of AP computer science.”
“I am proud of the strides we continue to make as a school in promoting access to computer science and other non-traditional pathways for our female students,” said Chad Murphy, Principal of SHS. “I want to commend the work done by our instructor, Allyson Craddock, our school counselors, and our female students on their willingness to explore these opportunities.”
According to data, female students who take AP CSP in high school are more than five times likely to major in computer science in college, compared to similar female students who did not take CSP. Currently, less than half of the nation’s high schools teach foundational computer science, giving Sylacauga High students a distinct advantage for college and career readiness.
