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News Releases » Seaside High School Earns the College Board’s AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for Expanding Young Women’s Access to BOTH AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A

Seaside High School Earns the College Board’s AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for Expanding Young Women’s Access to BOTH AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 18, 2025

 

Contact: 

Marci McFadden, Chief of Communications & Engagement

831-706-6971

 

Seaside High School Earns the College Board’s AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for Expanding Young Women’s Access to BOTH AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A

 

Seaside, CA – For the fifth year in a row, Seaside High School has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles. Additionally, this is the first year the school has also earned the honor for expanding access to AP Computer Science A - making it only 69 of 1,153 schools to receive the honor for both AP computer science courses. 

 

Former Seaside High School teacher Pat Murphy was also acknowledged in a letter to the school by Trevor Packer, Head of the Advanced Placement Program, for his contribution to the school’s achievement.

 

According to the College Board, during the 2023-24 school year, 1,153 institutions earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award by enrolling more female students into computer science courses. Schools earn the recognition by achieving either 50% or higher female exam taker representation in AP Computer Science A and/or AP Computer Science Principles, or a percentage of female computer science exam takers that meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population.   

 

In 2024, Seaside High School was:

  • One of 847 schools recognized in the category of AP Computer Science Principles (CSP)
  • One of 237 schools recognized in the category of AP Computer Science A
  • One of 69 schools recognized for both AP computer science courses

 

“Expanding access and opportunities in computer science is a testament to MPUSD’s commitment to equity, and we are incredibly proud of our female AP Computer Science scholars and the educators who make this possible,” said PK Diffenbaugh, Superintendent, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. “Special recognition extends to teacher Pat Murphy for his dedication to ensuring more young women have the opportunity to engage in and excel in computer science. Earning this distinction for the fifth consecutive year reflects our ongoing efforts to break barriers and inspire the next generation of innovators.”

  

“Earning this distinction in both AP Computer Science courses this year is an incredible honor and a testament to our commitment to expanding access for all students,” said Seaside High School Assistant Principal Tessa Brown. Brown was instrumental in launching computer science at the school. “Preparing our female students for high-paying, in-demand careers remains a priority, especially for those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds or multilingual learners. By breaking down barriers to computer science education, we are equipping them with the skills and opportunities to tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges.”

 

College Board states that as a new course during the 2016-17 school year, AP Computer Science Principles attracted more students than any other AP course debut, and participation continues to rise. In 2024, 175,261 students took the AP CSP Exam—almost four times the number of exam takers in the course’s first year. In 2024, 60,259 women took the AP CSP Exam, more than four times the number who tested in 2017.

AP Computer Science A, which first debuted in 1988, continues to grow. In 2024, 98,136 students took the AP CSA Exam, including 25,811 women─an 81% increase in female participation since 2017. 

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About Monterey Peninsula Unified School District

 

The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is home to approximately 9,600 students in grades transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. The district also houses preschool and adult education. The district is built on a solid foundation of effective instruction, positive school culture, systems of support, and collaborative leadership. The district is nestled along the Monterey Bay, and stretches from the city of Marina to the north to the city of Monterey to the south, and encompasses the communities of Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Sand City and Seaside.


About The College Board

 

College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success—including the SAT, the Advanced Placement Program, and BigFuture. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools.