Local School Wins AP Computer Female Diversity Award

Harmony School of Excellence-Austin (HSE) is proud to announce that it has been honored with the College Board’s AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for its gender equity in 2024. This recognition highlights the school’s commitment to closing the gender gap in computer science and creating equitable opportunities for young women to excel in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

The award acknowledges schools that have achieved 50% or higher female representation in one or both AP computer science courses or have a percentage of female computer science exam takers that meet or exceed the school’s overall female population. Harmony School of Excellence is one of only 847 schools nationwide to earn this accolade specifically for AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). Notably, during the 2023-2024 school year, 60% of students in Mr. Gandara’s AP Computer Science Principles class were female.

“Providing female students with access to computer science courses is imperative to ensure gender equity in the field’s high-paying, fast-paced jobs and to drive innovation, creativity, and competitiveness,” said Fernando Rojas Andrews, Dean of College and Career for HSE. “This recognition affirms our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all students can thrive.”

Mr. Gandara, a passionate advocate for female students in STEM, has been instrumental in building a supportive and inclusive culture within the computer science program, and this award is especially in recognition of Mr. Gandara's AP Principles of Computer Science class being 60% female for the 2023-24 academic year. His dedication extends beyond the classroom, as he co-leads the school’s Drone Teams alongside Ms. Tims. Many of these teams feature strong female representation, showcasing HSE’s continued efforts to break traditional gender barriers in STEM activities.

“We encourage all our students, regardless of gender, to take on the challenges of AP courses and pursue their passions in computer science and other STEM fields,” added Mr. Rojas Andrews. “Mr. Gandara’s leadership and advocacy have significantly impacted empowering female students to succeed.”

This award underscores Harmony School of Excellence’s commitment to preparing students for the future by providing them with the tools and resources to excel in computer science. By championing diversity and inclusion, HSE is paving the way for a new generation of innovators and leaders.

Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations with rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers, and life. At Harmony Public Schools, every child can succeed and is committed to helping them realize their full potential.

About Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools are more than 70 high-performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations, with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers, and life. At Harmony Public Schools, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools, please visit harmonytx.org. Harmony is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. Students may apply at harmonytx.org/apply.