Framingham High Wins AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award

By Caroline Gordon

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FRAMINGHAM – Framingham High School recently won the AP Computer Science A Female Diversity Award.

The award recognizes schools with faculty who encourage young women to study computer science. Framingham High School is one of 199 schools across the nation recognized in the category of AP Computer Science A.

Students enrolled in AP Computer Science learn to create and utilize computer programs that solve
problems pertaining to society.

Framingham High launched AP Computer Science A in 1988.

Since 2017, enrollment of female students has increased 33%.

“We’re thrilled to congratulate our female AP computer science students and their teacher, Mr. Richard Ghiorse, on this step toward gender parity in computer science education,” said Framingham High Principal Carolyn Bannack. “We are honored that our school earned this distinction and look forward to seeing these young women and others pursue and achieve success in computer science education and
careers.”

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Stefanie Sanford, College Board chief of Global Policy and External Relations, said, “By encouraging young women to study advanced computer science coursework, Framingham High School is closing the gap in computer science education and empowering young women to access the opportunities available in STEM career fields.”

Framingham High Mathematics Department Head Mary Fitterer said it is “an honor” for the
Department to be recognized by the College Board.

Fitterer said Framingham High computer science teacher Richard Ghiorse is “super organized” and has “good content knowledge across all of mathematics.”

Ghiorse became interested in teaching computer science after he took Java courses atFramingham State University 10 years ago.

He said the problem solving aspect of computer science appealed to him. Ghiorse said he wanted to “introduce students to the enjoyment and great opportunities” computer science offers.

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Ghiorse said he was “very excited” when he heard Framingham High students won the award, especially
because of the challenges COVID-19 presented.

“The girls that take both AP Computer Science A and C++ Programming are engaged, creative, collaborative, and see the uses of technology in other subject areas,” Ghiorse said.

“The girls who take my computer science classes bring an excellent work ethic,” he added.

He said computer science education “opens a lot of doors” and can make a difference.

AP Computer Science A is ideal for individuals who wish to pursue a career in areas like engineering, software development and web design

“It’s crucial to get more girls to take computer science classes to really drive the field forward
and dispel misconceptions about the field,” said Ghiorse.

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Caroline Gordon, a spring 2021 SOURCE intern is a senior English major with a concentration in journalism at Framingham State University. Gordon is the Arts and Features editor for Framingham State’s student newspaper, The Gatepost. During her free time on campus, she works as a Student Desk Attendant. Caroline enjoys photography, working out and spending time with friends. Connect with Caroline on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-gordon98

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