The honor recognizes the school’s work to engage more female students in computer science. According to the National Science Foundation, even though more women than men are enrolled in two- and four-year colleges, the number of women pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science has declined.

College Board recognized schools based on two criteria: The school reached 50 percent or higher female examinee representation in one or both AP computer science courses, or the school’s percentage of female examinees met or exceeded that of the school's female population. Currently, there are seven female students at Southern High taking AP Computer Science Principles, up from five last school year. Research shows that female students taking AP computer science are more likely to major in computer science in college than matched peers.

Southern High is one of 17 schools in the state to receive the award and one of 832 schools in the country.

About Guilford County Schools 

Guilford County Schools, the third largest school district in North Carolina and among the largest of more than 14,000 in the United States, serves nearly 70,000 PK-12 students at 126 schools. With approximately 9,800 employees, GCS works in partnership with parents, businesses, colleges and the community to deliver an education that connects student interests and skills with the careers and economy of our future here and around the world. We provide educational choices to meet individual student needs in a culturally diverse citizenship and new opportunities to help our students grow. For more information, visit the district’s website at www.gcsnc.com.