February 24: Computer Science Diversity

Access to computer science education is not evenly distributed by race. This is a contributing factor to diversity gaps in our technology workforce.

Source: Code.org
Published: February 2021

Computer Science Diversity

Access to computer science education is not evenly distributed by race. This is a contributing factor to diversity gaps in our technology workforce.

One way to visualize this is to look at Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Specifically, the AP Computer Science A course which teaches Java programming. Black students who take the end-of-year exam in the US are 7 times more likely to major in computer science in college, yet are significantly underrepresented in participation. 

AP CS participation by race/ethnicity (US)

Bonus: Today Amazon and Code.org announced they are teaming up to create a new equity-minded AP Computer Science A curriculum to help close the equity gap for students from underrepresented groups in tech. Read more: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/community/amazon-and-code-org-plan-new-curriculum-to-support-computer-science-diversity

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