AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award Granted to MSMA for Sixth Straight Year

Mount Saint Mary Academy has earned College Board's AP^® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to both AP Computer Science A (CSA) and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). The Academy has been recognized by the College Board for its excellence in educating young women in AP Computer Science since the award was established in 2018.

During the 2023-2024 school year, 1,153 institutions earned an AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for CSA, CSP or both courses. Mount Saint Mary Academy was one of only 69 to be recognized for improving female representation in both AP computer science courses.

Stephen Muratore, Mathematics and Computer Science Department Chairperson, said, “Learning computer science helps young women understand the inner workings of technology and how it impacts society. This knowledge empowers them to be informed and active participants in a technology-driven world. I'm incredibly proud of our Mount students who are taking computer science courses. They are demonstrating a willingness to learn and are preparing themselves for exciting technological opportunities in the future.”

"This award proves that the young women graduating from Mount Saint Mary Academy are being prepared with the right tools and skills used in the 21st century,” stated Malgorzata Milej, mathematics teacher. “I am honored to help by providing the skills that will help them through their college career in almost any STEM field they wish to pursue, from engineering for simulations of structures, buildings, and bridges to biology for analyzing large biological datasets or protein structures."

Akosua Ansong '25 said, "Before entering high school, I had no prior knowledge of computer science. However, being able to take both Advanced Placement courses has opened my eyes to the STEM world. I have enjoyed these classes so much that it has allowed me to make the decision to pursue a computer science-based degree in college.”

"Mount’s rigorous computer science courses offered me the freedom to develop my own style of coding,” added Madison DeFrancisco '25. “Creating projects like ‘wordle’ and ‘blackjack’ for my AP Computer Science Principles performance task has helped me grow in my creative problem-solving skills.”

“Furthermore, the small class environment of AP Computer Science A allowed me to explore the subject in depth and further my passion for the typically male-dominated field,” added Madison. “As I enter college next year, I’m excited to continue learning about computer science!"

Lila Keller '25, another Mount senior who feels impacted by her computer science courses, shared, “Learning about coding not only provides insight into how all the technology we're so used to using works, but also helps students learn to use logic to solve problems. We even got to participate in designing a 3-D tour of the school. Both AP Computer Science classes have been among my favorites I've taken at the Mount.”