Vt ELS, Students Discover New Aspirations Taking AP Computer Science (NAPSA)—'There’s high demand— and top salaries—for workers with computer science expertise. According to the U.S. Bureau of LaborStatistics, computerscience 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 Place- ment 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 numberof females enrolled in AP computer science doubled, and the number of Latino and African American students more than doubled. ‘The numberofrural 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 womenscoring a 3 A record numberof high schoolstudents are taking Advanced Placement computer science—and that’s helping them prepare for today’s job market. or higher on an AP Computer Science Exam doubled; for African Americans and Hispanics, that number almosttri- pled. With an AP Exam score of 3 or higher, students have the opportunity to earn college credit, saving them time and moneyin college. Two Students’ Stories One such student is Bridget, who attended high school in Virginia. ‘Thoughshe had nointerest in computer science, Bridget took AP CSP. In class, she discovered her love of programming and nowaspires to be a computer engineer. Another student, Karla, who went to high school in California, had no pre- vious 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 canvisit the AP Students website at apstudent.org.
