WHO WE ARE

Founded in 2002, the Young Women’s Preparatory Network is a nonprofit agency that partners with public school districts across the state of Texas to operate the largest network of all-girls, public, college preparatory schools in the nation. Our schools are located in struggling urban neighborhoods and have proven to be very successful. The schools have won multiple academic achievement awards, including being recognized amongst the top public schools in Texas and the nation.

YWPN formed the first public/private partnership with the Dallas Independent School District in August 2004, opening the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, the first all-girls’ public school in Texas.

Since then, YWPN has opened schools in Austin, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Houston, Lubbock, San Antonio and Ysleta (El Paso) serving more than 4,600 young women annually.* Because of the success of the first school in Dallas, this school model is being replicated throughout the state, as a catalyst for positive educational change.

(*Self-reported)

Strong Academics Are Our Foundation.

A college degree is one of the surest ways for economically-disadvantaged students to enter the middle class. Unfortunately, statistics are not in their favor. Nationwide, only 1/3 of kids from families at or below the poverty line attend college, and even fewer graduate. While half of all people from high-income families have a bachelor’s degree by age 25, just 1 in 10 people from low-income families do. The future prospects for those without a degree, especially women, are often grim as they face poor employment opportunities. This cycle of poverty is perpetuated, as the parents experience with education greatly influences that of their children. It’s clear that an education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty for the young women enrolled in our schools.

Why All Girls?

An all girls’ environment provides more intentional and focused instruction that allows students to thrive. Studies show that when only girls are in an academic environment, they tend to speak out more, share opinions freely, have pride in their intelligence, and help one another achieve success. The proof is in the amazing results of the girls graduating from high school, getting accepted to college, and doing well in their careers and life. If you would like to learn more, the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools has a wide variety of research on the benefits of single-sex education. The Girls’ School Advantage: By the Numbers  Source: National Coalition of Girls’ Schools

National Coalition of Girls’ Schools:

YWPN is a member of the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS), a leading advocate for girls’ education with a distinct commitment to the transformative power of all-girls schools. The Coalition acts at the forefront of educational thought, collaborating and connecting globally with individuals, schools and organizations dedicated to empowering girls to be influential contributors to the world.

Young Women’s Leadership Network:

YWPN is a member of the Young Women’s Leadership Network. The Young Women’s Leadership Schools (TYWLS) are privately supported 6th-12th grade public secondary schools that promote high-quality student learning opportunities in and out of school. Our schools provide a single-sex educational choice for predominantely low-income students who will be the first in their families to attend college. Students are admitted based upon their interest and commitment to obtaining a single-sex and college preparatory education. TYWLS are open to girls of all academic abilities.