Dallas ISD has launched the Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs this fall, marking the district’s second all-girls high school. This initiative is in partnership with the nonprofit Young Women’s Preparatory Network (YWPN).
Lynn McBee, CEO of YWPN, expressed enthusiasm about the new school joining their network. “It’s a perfect addition to our all-girls, college preparatory schools across Texas. We are excited to support and grow with them, and to back the ambitions of their dedicated students,” McBee said.
YWPN has announced a significant four-year, $2 million grant from the Texas Instruments Foundation to enhance the campus. This funding will support the addition of a college advisor, leadership programs, and advanced STEM education and equipment, transforming YWSA into a comprehensive college preparatory school with state-of-the-art STEAM resources and curriculum. The grant will also cover staff development, curriculum materials, and student-focused summer learning and social-emotional wellness programs.
Andy Smith, Executive Director of the TI Foundation, highlighted the impact of the grant. “We’re thrilled about how this funding will ensure that girls at the Young Women’s STEAM Academy benefit from continuous STEM education through 12th grade, taught by exceptional educators. Our goal is to improve math and science outcomes and opportunities for students facing economic and educational challenges. This grant will help Dallas ISD and YWPN boost confidence in STEM subjects and spark interest in STEM careers.”
Originally opened in 2016 as the district’s first all-girls school for grades six through eight, YWSA now expands to serve students through 12th grade. The first class of 50 ninth graders was recruited starting in January, and the school will add a new grade each year until this inaugural class graduates in 2028.
This expansion aligns with YWPN’s model of partnering with Texas public school districts to operate the largest network of all-girls, public, college preparatory schools in the U.S. Dallas ISD’s Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, which opened in 2004, was the first in this network. YWSA adds to the growing list of YWPN campuses, including the Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Fort Worth ISD.
McBee emphasized the success of their model, stating, “Our students have a 100% college acceptance rate and a 70% persistence rate. With our model and resources, girls gain exposure to new opportunities, persist in their education, and ultimately change their lives and their families’ lives.”
Dr. Jameile R. Choice, the district’s Executive Director of Transformation and Innovation, discussed the addition of a second all-girls high school, stating, “Given the success of Irma Rangel, it made sense to replicate the model in Pleasant Grove. We’re excited to offer this unique educational experience to all girls without entry-level requirements.”
Choice also highlighted the benefits of the public-private partnership and the $2 million investment, which will provide rigorous educational experiences, field trips, internships, and on-campus college access support. “As a first-generation college student, having such opportunities would have made my transition to college much smoother,” said YWSA Principal Rubinna Sanchez.
Sanchez is enthusiastic about the expanded opportunities for her students. “When girls start in sixth grade, we want them to envision being with us through to graduation. They are Lady Jags from sixth grade all the way through twelfth,” said Assistant Principal Sasha Hampton.
