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Batavia High recognized for female representation in AP Computer Science; teachers outline outreach steps
Summary
Batavia High School teachers and students marked a College Board recognition for female participation in AP Computer Science Principles. Teachers described outreach and curricular changes aimed at improving female representation and students said the program built confidence and community.
Batavia High School teachers and students presented the Board of Education with recognition from the College Board for improving female representation in Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles on April 20.
Chris Ozarka (identified in the agenda as a BHS computer science teacher) and teacher presenter (Bridal Zark) described program growth over the past 11 years, expanding introductory offerings into multi-course sequences and developing a cybersecurity course. The presenters said early classes had low or no female enrollment but that targeted outreach, counselor involvement, a Women in STEM Club and classroom culture changes encouraged greater female participation.
Teacher remarks cited national context: presenters referenced U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing women hold roughly 26.9% of jobs in computer and mathematical occupations and described historical causes such as gendered marketing of early personal computers. They pointed to Harvey Mudd College’s intervention model — which emphasizes collaboration over competition — as an example and said BHS has tried to adopt similar practices.
Student speaker Sarah Alf, a junior, told the board she was once the only girl in a class and later encouraged peers to enroll; she said the recognition shows progress and “creates a space for girls like me to feel...confidence and leadership and opportunity in this ever growing field.”
Board members thanked teachers and students; administrators said the award was tied to AP exam participation and female exam-takers in AP Computer Science Principles surpassing 50% in the cohort cited by the College Board recognition.
Outcome: Presentation and recognition; no board action required.
