We believe in
the power of education

to transform the lives of women and the communities in which they live.

The Academy

The Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) is an all-girls college-preparatory public school serving students in grades 6-12.

Located in SAISD and open to students in Bexar County, YWLA focuses on college preparation, responsible leadership, and an active, healthy lifestyle for all students. The majority of YWLA students belong to historically underrepresented ethnic groups, and/or are the first in their family to attend college. Each year, 100% of students graduate from YWLA and matriculate to a four-year accredited college or university.

YWLA is part of the Young Women's Preparatory Network, a Dallas-based nonprofit organization that partners with public school districts to operate the country’s largest network of all-girls’ public, college-preparatory schools.

The Academy
 

The Foundation

The San Antonio YWLA Foundation exists to support the success & well-being of all students, faculty, and staff at YWLA. The three primary pillars of the foundation are:

  • To support advancement of educational programs & activities that drive successful student outcomes

  • To offer strategic advisory services to prioritise faculty, staff, & facility needs to serve the students of YWLA

  • To foster lasting partnerships within the broader community to build & grow the investment required to empower YWLA to achieve their mission.

Learn More

Testimonials

Testimonials Stream

“YWLA has seen 100 percent of its students not only graduate, but accepted into a wide range of colleges across the United States, including an increasing number of the nation’s top universities”.

— Martha Hancock

“I like how you know that every day you walk into class, they are going to push you.”

— Ilana Villagran, 2015 YWLA Graduate

“YWLA has seen 100 percent of its students not only graduate, but accepted into a wide range of colleges across the United States, including an increasing number of the nation’s top universities”.

— Martha Hancock

YWLA Support

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pat and Tom Frost Foundation

 

Myra Stafford Pryor Charitable Trust

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Jimmie Ruth and Dick Evans

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Mary Beth Williamson, James Family Fund

 

The John and Suzie Hayes Family Fund

 

Straus Foundation

 

Katy and Ted Flato Charitable Fund

 

Support YWLA

From sponsorship to volunteer opportunities, there are many ways to get involved with the Young Women’s Leadership Academy and the Foundation.

Latest News

  • Young Women's Leadership Academy has earned Platinum recognition on the 2023 AP School Honor Roll.

    YWLA achieved greater than 100% on each of the AP School Honor Roll metrics: College Culture, College Credit, and College Optimization.

  • YWLA Ranked #124 Nationally by U.S. News & World Report

    YWLA received high rankings in many other categories, including being named #1 of all San Antonio ISD high schools and #14 of all high schools in the state of Texas.

  • YWLA students received 13 of the 40 scholarships given by a San Antonio Area Foundation Scholarship Fund in 2022; $10,000 a year for four years.

    Students received this scholarship at the Junior level, so they have initial funding secured before beginning college applications. Applications were available to all Junior level students in Bexar County.

  • The Class of 2022 was offered $23.5M in merit-based scholarships, the highest total as a class yet.

  • Earned #20 spot in the The Challenge Index, the oldest high school ranking system in the country

  • Six of SAISD’s record breaking 20 Dell Scholars hail from YWLA!

  • YWLA named a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School for the Second Time in School History

Get in touch

Whether you are interested in supporting YWLA and our mission, are looking for ways for your organization to partner with ours, or simply want to know more - we would love to hear from you.

Please use the contact form here, or drop us an email at SanAntonioYWLAfoundation@gmail.com.