40 Michigan schools receiving AP Computer Science Female Diversity awards

MiSTEM Network partners demonstrate strong commitment to preparing students for high-wage, high-demand STEM careers

LANSING, Mich. — The MiSTEM Network highlights 40 Michigan schools receiving the College Board’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity awards. A MiSTEM Advisory Council grant supports the partnership between Grand Valley State University and Code.org that is engaging more female students in computer science coursework, making STEM learning more accessible and positioning more students across the state for successful STEM careers. 

“Ensuring equitable access and engagement is core to our mission to advance PK-12 STEM education,” said Megan Schrauben, executive director of the MiSTEM Network. “MiSTEM will continue to prioritize partnerships that support those underrepresented in STEM careers as we work together to build a vibrant STEM ecosystem in Michigan and put more young women and students alike on a path toward a high-wage, high-demand career." 

In the AP Computer Science A course, students focus on computing skills related to Java programming, which cultivates their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing and testing code. AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and apply computer science to solve real-world problems. 

According to College Board research, female students who take AP Computer Science Principles in high school are more than five times as likely to major in computer science in college, compared to similar female students who did not take the course. The study also finds AP Computer Science Principles students are nearly twice as likely to enroll in AP Computer Science A, and that for most students, AP Computer Science Principles serves as a stepping-stone to other advanced AP STEM coursework. 

“STEM coursework is key to investing in and expanding opportunity for Michigan students,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “The Michigan Department of Education applauds MiSTEM and the schools that have supported computer science not simply broadly but with a special emphasis on female students and other students historically underrepresented in computer science.”  

Every single Michigan district that received the award for AP CSP had at least one teacher trained through the MiSTEM partnership with education innovation nonprofit Code.org since 2017 Code.org is intentional about expanding opportunities for students in underserved communities to learn computer science, and the success of these districts across the state illustrates the strong difference inclusion makes in preparing students for the successful STEM careers.  

“Teaching computer science is a way to empower students to make a real difference in their communities,” said Larry Wyn, Director of Regional Math Science Center for Grand Valley State University and Regional Partner for Code.org. “Our regional partners in the MiSTEM Network help us make it possible to provide educators with the skills they need to incorporate computer science into everyday learning for their students.” 

As the need for STEM talent in Michigan continues to grow, it is critical that more female students are encouraged to explore education and training paths to fill these in-demand career opportunities. Grand Valley State University has actively promoted opportunities and equity resources for students, educators and those in the STEM workforce. 

"Here at the Greater West Michigan Region of the MiSTEM Network, we know the importance of girls and women seeing themselves in STEM careers," said Ginger Rohwer, MiSTEM Greater West Michigan Regional Director. "As a part of the MiSTEM network, we are proud to fund initiatives that cultivate a sense a belonging among female students as they explore incredible STEM opportunities that would allow them to solve real world problems across the globe and right here in our local communities."  

Schools receiving the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have achieved either 50% or higher female exam taker representation in one of or both AP computer science courses, or a percentage of female computer science exam takers that meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population. 

These institutions represent a broad range of high schools from across the country and around the world. They include private, public and charter schools, large and small student bodies, rural and urban populations and specialized high schools along with generalized programs. 

The following five Michigan schools are being recognized for the AP Computer Science A course: Cass Technical High School, Detroit; Holland Christian High School; Marquette Senior High School; University High School Academy, Southfield; and Utica Center for Mathematics Science and Technology. 

The following 33 Michigan schools are being recognized for the AP Computer Science Principles course: Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Utica; Belding Area High School; Caro High School; Carrollton High School; Cesar Chavez Academy High School, Community High School, Ann Arbor; Coopersville High School; Edsel B. Ford High School, Dearborn; Elk Rapids High School; Escanaba Area Public High School; Garber High School; Hesperia High School; Homer Community High School; Houghton High School; Imlay City High School; Iron Mountain High School; Lakeland High School; L'Anse Area High School; Madison High School; Martin Luther King Junior-Senior High School, Detroit; Melvindale High; Mercy High School; Montague High School; North Branch High School; Portland High School; Renaissance High School, Detroit; Saint Catherine of Siena Academy; Sault Area High School; Southeastern High School, Detroit; The School at Marygrove, Detroit; Utica Academy for International Studies; Walled Lake Western High School; and Williamston High School. 

Two Michigan schools are being recognized for both the AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles courses: Academy of the Sacred Heart, Bloomfield Township; and Western International High School, Detroit. 

See the full list of schools that have been recognized for the 2023 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award.