Jenkintown Digital Media Arts and Computer Science Teacher Recognized by Teach for America and the Cognizant Foundation

Cognizant and Teach For America have announced the winners of the annual Cognizant Innovation in Computer Science Education Awards. Now in its second year, the awards recognize outstanding educators and individuals advocating for and expanding access to PK-12 computer science education across the United States.

Research shows that students who have access to AP Computer Science courses in high school are three times more likely to major in a STEM field in college. And while 53% of high schools across the U.S. provide computer science courses — up from 51% in 2021 — inequities in computer science access and participation persist. For instance, as of this fall, only 32% of students in high school computer science courses are young women.

Jenkintown Digital Media Arts and Computer Science Teacher, Annie Kelly, received the runner up award this year for “exemplary work in [her community].” Ms. Kelly has increased female participation in Computer Science classes at Jenkintown by over 800% in the past 5 years, as compared with previous years and course offerings. AP Computer Science Principles is now one of the largest AP courses offered at Jenkintown, with an average of 30 students per year taking the class. Ms. Kelly also serves as the President of Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Philly, and helps provide professional development to other CS educators in the area and beyond.