Advanced Placement Program Collaborates with Oracle on Computer Science Updates

The Advanced Placement^® (AP^®) Program announced it is collaborating with Oracle on the latest updates to the AP Computer Science A (AP CSA) course. AP CSA is an introductory college-level course that introduces students to computer science through programming. Through the course, students design and implement computer programs using the modern Java programming language that can be used to leverage data to solve problems.

“Java is the most widely used programming language in college computer science courses and in industry,” said Trevor Packer, head of the Advanced Placement Program. “Partnering with Oracle ensures that AP CSA students have the most up-to-date skills and preparation for a future in computer science.”

Through this collaboration, College Board and Oracle commit to making available AP CSA course resources that incorporate the most recent Java updates and will support teachers with professional learning opportunities, including through curriculum from Oracle Academy.

“Java is the world’s number one programming language and development platform, and as the stewards of Java, Oracle is committed to educating and nurturing the next generation of Java developers,” said Georges Saab, senior vice president, Oracle Java Platform and chair, OpenJDK governing board. “Courses like AP CSA are a strong starting point to learn CS fundamentals with modern Java and a great first step towards a vibrant career in computer science.”

Oracle helps schools provide their students with access to quality technology education curriculum such as AP CSA through Oracle Academy, which is critical in setting students up for career success across industries with practical technology knowledge and hands-on skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this sector are projected to grow 11.7% from 2023 to 2033, which is significantly faster than the rate of 4% for all occupations. About 660,000 new computing and information technology jobs are projected to be added during this period. In total, more than 11 million STEM jobs are anticipated to be available in the next decade, half of which will require a computer science degree and all of which will require computer science skills.

According to College Board, the AP Program’s efforts to bring computer science to all students has yielded a record number of students taking AP CSA and has broadened participation by increasing the number of female students taking the course and potentially entering the field. In the 2023-24 school year, more than 7,000 schools offered the AP CSA Exam to more than 98,000 students, with 67% of exam takers earning a credit-qualifying score of 3 or higher. AP CSA Exam participation by female students reached a record high in 2024 (25,811 female examinees), which was a 7% increase from AP CSA Exam participation by female students in 2023.

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About AP
The Advanced Placement^® Program (AP^®) enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 40 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond.