In 2021, Young Women’s Leadership Academy at Parker (YWLA), an all-girls, college preparatory, 6th-12th grade school, was established as a public-private partnership between the Aldine Independent School District and YWPN.

Located in far north Houston, YWLA empowers students to believe they can be anything they want to be – including college graduates and leaders in STEM fields.

YWLA currently serves girls in grades 6-9. Grade 10 will be added in 2024, grade 11 in 2025, and grade 12 in 2026. Students engage in a robust college readiness program to create a seamless pathway from middle school through college. The majority of YWLA students will be the first in their families to attend and graduate from college.

Our approach develops persistence, encourages college degree attainment, and supports achievement in STEM and computer science for girls and underrepresented minorities.

We know that STEM career pathways create job possibilities and help people to care for themselves and their families. That’s why we equip students with the critical thinking skills and hands-on learning they need to be productive adults.