Incarnate Word Academy has been recognized for encouraging young women to take computer science courses. The school earned the AP Computer Science A Female Diversity Award from the College Board for the 2020-2021 school year.

This award acknowledges 1,020 schools nationwide for their work toward equal gender representation during that timeframe. IWA is one of only 199 schools to be recognized for achieving this important result in AP CSA.

Schools earn the designation by having either 50% or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or if the percentage of female computer science students taking the AP exam meets or exceeds the individual school's female population.  

"This is the third year in a row that we have received this award," said Andrea Smith, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, IWA principal.  "We are absolutely honored to be recognized in this way. We are proud of Mrs. Eleanor Hernandez, our AP computer science teacher, and all of her students for their dedication and hard work. It is wonderful for our young women to see that they can excel in this subject at such a high level."

During the 2020-2021 school year, 23 students were enrolled in AP Computer Science A; this year 31 students are taking the class.

“By encouraging young women to study advanced computer science coursework, IWA is closing the gap in computer science education and empowering young women to access the opportunities available in STEM career fields,” says Stefanie Sanford, College Board chief of Global Policy and External Relations. “Computer science is the foundation of many 21st-century career options, and young women deserve equal opportunities to pursue computer science education and drive technological innovation.”

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.

Currently, 51% of high schools teach foundational computer science. The 1,020 schools that receive this year’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award serve as inspirations and models for all U.S. high schools.