(NAPSI)—There’s high demand—and top salaries—for workers with computer science expertise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer science and information technology made up nearly half of the 8.6 million STEM jobs in 2015. In fact, a recent National Association of Colleges and Employers report shows engineering and computer science were the two highest-earning majors, with computer science graduates projected to earn more than $66,000 annually.
Access to advanced computer science education is more important than ever.
Innovative Science Course
That is one reason Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (AP CSP)–a new, unique, introductory computer science course—has been embraced by students and educators.
AP CSP focuses on creativity, ideas, and new ways of thinking. It’s anchored in collaboration and using technology to solve challenges that students and teachers identify in their lives and communities. The course teaches programming and other aspects of computing, but students don’t need previous coding experience.
More than 50,000 students took the AP CSP Exam in 2017. In just one year, the number of females enrolled in AP computer science doubled, and the number of Latino and African American students more than doubled. The number of rural students taking an AP computer science exam doubled.
In terms of performance, overall, 74.5 percent of students scored 3 or higher on the 2017 AP CSP Exam. The number of young women scoring a 3 or higher on an AP Computer Science Exam doubled; for African Americans and Hispanics, that number almost tripled. With an AP Exam score of 3 or higher, students have the opportunity to earn college credit, saving them time and money in college.
Two Students’ Stories
One such student is Bridget, who attended high school in Virginia. Though she had no interest in computer science, Bridget took AP CSP. In class, she discovered her love of programming and now aspires to be a computer engineer.
Another student, Karla, who went to high school in California, had no previous computer science experience and was intimidated by AP CSP. Once the course started, Karla realized her own abilities and is the first in her family to attend college.
Learn More
Students interested in learning more about AP CSP can visit the AP Students website at apstudent.org.