(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – September 19, 2024) — El Paso ISD’s Young Women’s STEAM Research & Preparatory Academy is stepping into an exciting new phase of growth and opportunity through a groundbreaking partnership.
The school has officially joined forces with the Young Women’s Preparatory Network (YWPN), a national leader in advancing college preparatory education for young women. This collaboration is a major milestone, set to provide additional resources and support that will enable the academy to enhance its educational offerings, especially in the fields of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
El Paso ISD Superintendent Diana Sayavedra expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “This collaboration with YWPN is a transformative moment for our district and, most importantly, for the students at the Young Women’s STEAM Academy. With this partnership, we are providing our young women with the tools, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive in STEAM fields and become future leaders.”
Through this partnership, the academy is set to receive $1 million in funding over four years. These funds will support the development of the STEAM curriculum, offer educational travel opportunities, and provide essential resources to students. Additionally, the partnership will focus on teacher development and will allow for a dedicated College Success Advisor, ensuring that students are well-prepared for both college and career.
Naomi Conner, College, Career Advisor, and Student Activities Manager at the Young Women’s STEAM Academy emphasized the value of early college preparation: “The beautiful thing about this school and partnership is we start with these students from middle school and we’re already preparing them for college and thinking about the next step. Our students are gaining access to Advanced Placement courses and college readiness, ensuring they are fully equipped to succeed in any academic environment."
The Young Women’s STEAM Academy has already earned recognition for its rigorous academic programs and student success. By joining YWPN, the academy becomes part of a larger network of schools committed to empowering young women through leadership development, college preparation, and holistic growth.
The YWPN was founded over 22 years ago by Lee Posey, a first-generation high school and college graduate, and his wife Sally, to provide girls with the educational opportunities Lee’s mother never had. This year, YWPN will serve 5,600 girls across Texas. YWPN’s partnership with El Paso ISD aims to provide a worldclass education for young women, ensuring they have the tools and resources to make it to and through college.
"At YWPN, we believe in the transformative power of education. Our partnership with El Paso ISD is about more than a school—it’s about empowering young women to break barriers and achieve their dreams. Together, we will unlock doors of opportunity and ensure that girls can pursue their college dreams and become leaders," Lynn McBee, Young Women’s Preparatory Network CEO.
This partnership aligns with El Paso ISD’s Hopes & Dreams Strategic Blueprint, which prioritizes whole-child development, instructional excellence, and equity by design. With YWPN’s support, the Young Women’s STEAM Academy is poised to continue delivering exceptional educational experiences that equip students for the future.
For more information about the Young Women’s Academy and YWPN, click here.
