Inaugural Class Graduates from NYC's Academy for Software Engineering High School

NEW YORK, June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Academy for Software Engineering (AFSE), a new public high school focused on computer science and software engineering, graduated its inaugural class of students on June 27 at New York University's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. The students will continue their academic careers in colleges and universities across the nation.

"In 2012, we opened our doors to 126 freshmen, and four years later we are incredibly proud to call these impressive students our first class of graduates," said ASFE's Principal, Seung Yu. "AFSE's 2016 class represents the next generation of independent thinkers, socially-conscious leaders, and innovative entrepreneurs. These students have set a high bar for excellence at AFSE and we look forward to continuing our commitment to developing the next generation of young leaders."

ASFE combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on experience in the software engineering industry. In addition, each student is matched with a professional mentor in technology or a related industry. At a time when fewer than five percent of New York City's 1.1 million public school students have access to high quality computer science education, AFSE has been providing its pupils the opportunity to learn the skills that will put them on a path to college and career success in some of the most in demand technical fields.

Commencement speaker Fred Wilson, chairman of the board for CSNYC, managing partner at Union Square Ventures and founder of Flatiron Partners, told students, "You are all risk takers. You chose AFSE as eighth graders when the school literally did not exist. I remember what it was like back then. I would hear people say things like 'girls can't go to a school like that' or 'you can't teach coding skills to every student.' And I am sure you heard the same things. But you came anyway. Keep doing that."

Young Guru, renowned audio engineer, DJ and founder of Era of The Engineer, was a surprise speaker at the commencement. "In today's world my spheres of influence, music and tech, are all about solving problems and creating a future in which we all participate. As AFSE graduates, you all are primed to make a profound impact on the world. Most importantly, you are challenging preconceived notions of who can be an engineer," said Young Guru.

"ASFE is the proof point for the idea that computer science is for all kids," said Michael Preston, Executive Director, CSNYC. "The NYC Department of Education staff believed that this was possible and four years later, more than 90 percent of these students are college-ready and on track to pursue degrees in computer science and other STEM disciplines."

In 2012, the Academy for Software Engineering (AFSE), a new small Career and Technical Education (CTE) school, opened its doors to its first cohort of 126 freshmen. AFSE's reputation has spread as a school dedicated to providing all students with academically rigorous curricula, a wealth of resources, and access to New York's technology and startup community. With the support of CSNYC, AFSE hopes to set the standard for computer science education in New York City.  

SOURCE Academy for Software Engineering