The Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP), the oldest high school and only all-girls’ high school in San Diego, has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles. OLP was one of only 13 schools in the state of California to win both A and AP awards. The awards are given annually for expanding young women’s access to AP computer science courses.
Out of the 20,000 institutions that offer AP courses, OLP was one of only 59 schools in the nation to be recognized for closing the gender gap in both AP computer science courses.
“We’re proud to see the creativity, commitment, and enthusiasm our female students have demonstrated in their study of AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles,” said Dr. Lauren Lek, Head of School. “As educators and administrators, we believe a STEM education plays a critical role in fostering a lifelong relationship with learning, setting our female students on a path to success in a 21st-century workforce.”
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.
OLP exceeds those metrics related to students of color—73% of OLP’s Science A and AP Computer Science students are students of color.
Research shows that female students who take AP computer science are more likely to major in computer science in college compared to female students of similar background and academic preparation who didn’t take AP computer science courses.
About The Academy of Our Lady of Peace
Located in San Diego, California, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP) is a rigorous college preparatory school with an unparalleled leadership program and a variety of co-curricular activities. For over 139 years, it has educated young women in the spirit of excellence and innovation that characterizes the founding Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. OLP has been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School of excellence by the U.S. Department of Education and 100 percent of its graduates continue on to pursue higher education. Students are encouraged to become academic, social, and spiritual leaders, as they are empowered with the skills and confidence needed to compete at whatever their career aspirations may be. OLP ensures its graduates have a worldwide perspective immersed in social justice issues, which enables them to become global leaders committed to changing the world.
