Arkansas will be handing out cash to high school students who pass an Advanced Placement test in computer science. The Arkansas Department of Education announced the launch of the Arkansas Advanced Placement Computer Science A Incentive Program designed to encourage computer science education by rewarding students as well as schools.
The department will award $1,000 for a student and $250 for a school for a score of five – the highest possible AP exam score. That’s reduced to a $750 payout per student and $150 per school for a four on the test. And for a score of three - the lowest score most colleges accept for credit – a student can take home $250, with the school pulling in $50.
The state as a whole, at the backing of Governor Asa Hutchinson, has made a push toward more computer science education in the last couple years. All high schools are required to offer a computer science course.
A news release from ADE notes payments to schools and students “are subject to program and funding availability.” Those who receive a qualifying AP exam score between August 1, 2017 and May 30, 2018 are eligible. Payments will be processed by September 30, 2018.
