Report: AP Computer Science Principles Course Bringing More Diverse Set of Students Into Computer Science Pipeline


COLLEGE BOARD

December 9, 2020

New York—New research shows increasing diversity in Advanced Placement (AP) computer science four years after the launch of AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP). In 2016, College Board, with significant support from the National Science Foundation, launched AP CSP to address a well-documented shortage of women and students of color studying science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in high school and college and ultimately pursuing STEM careers. This foundational course was designed to change the invitation to computer science education and engage traditionally underrepresented students.

In new research published today, College Board finds students who take AP CSP in high school are more than 3 times as likely to major in computer science in college, compared to similar students who did not take CSP. Differences are similarly large for female, Black, Hispanic, and first-generation college students. College freshmen who declare a computer science major take a critical step toward receiving the second highest paid college degree in the nation, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Students who take AP CSP in high school are more than 3 times as likely to major in computer science in college